Love is in the air and with Valentine’s Day right around the corner, many are tempted to splurge on gifts for their significant others. But having a special Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean you have to blow your budget. There are still plenty of ways to show your love without resorting to debt or going off track with your budget goals.
Here are six ways to save money this Valentine’s Day.
1. Prepare a home-cooked meal rather than dine out
One of the ways many people overspend on Valentine’s Day is dining out. Restaurants sometimes have special offers for Valentine’s Day, but many will charge a premium for the experience — especially busier restaurants where it’s tough to get a table.
The simple alternative is to cook a special meal at home. If you’re good in the kitchen, you could prepare a fancy three-course meal for your significant other or make a simple, fun meal together.
2. Make handmade gifts instead of buying them
Rather than overspending on traditional gifts like flowers or chocolates, consider getting creative with your Valentine’s Day gifts. A personalized gift can be far more meaningful and special than a store-bought one.
Consider making a handmade card, a personalized framed photo of the two of you, writing a heartfelt poem, or baking their favorite cake.
3. Keep an eye out for discounts and vouchers
Taking advantage of discounts is one of the simplest money-saving tips that can apply to any time of year. So, if you decide to buy presents for Valentine’s Day, be sure to watch out for discounts.
Some businesses run special offers or couples discounts for Valentine’s Day. It’s also worth checking out discount code websites before making a purchase or a site like Groupon, which offers discounts on special dining options or experiences.
4. Plan some fun free activities
You can still have fun and save money by planning something special. After all, the most important part of Valentine’s Day is spending time together, and there are plenty of free activities you can try out together.
If you’re both gamers, plan a board game day or pick a new multiplayer video game to start. Movie lovers could plan out a whole day of your top movies or check off those you’ve wanted to see for ages.
For lovers of the outdoors, you could plan a long walk, a bicycle ride, or a hike in your favorite spot. Why not bring along a picnic and enjoy the fresh air while you’re at it?
5. Set a small budget for each other
It may not sound very romantic, but if your partner is on the same page about saving money, suggest a small set budget this year for spending on the holiday.
A budget that both of you stick to will ensure that neither of you ends up overspending. It’s also a good way to reduce those feelings of guilt that cause many people to overspend on Valentine’s Day.
6. Check last-minute travel deals
If travel plans are your go-to Valentine’s Day tradition, you can save some money by checking last-minute travel deals or planning a simple night away instead of a longer break.
Rather than going abroad, you could stay closer to home and visit a nearby city or opt for an Airbnb in the countryside.
Another alternative is making a day trip, which will save you from having to pay for a hotel. Visit a nearby city you can drive to or take public transportation and spend a few hours checking out the free or cheap attractions in the area.
Don’t spend Valentine’s Day worrying about money
Counting your pennies might not feel very romantic, but worrying about money, overspending, or even sinking into debt aren’t either.
The good news is that Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With a little planning and trying out some of the above ideas, you can still show your love without worrying about money at the same time.
If you want a bigger budget for next year, you could start earlier and put a few dollars a month away to save money specifically for Valentine’s Day.
Another tip: Avoid overspending this Valentine’s Day by putting away the tempting credit cards and consider using a prepaid card from Western Union instead. Learn more about the Western Union® Netspend® Prepaid Mastercard® today.
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