How To Avoid Overspending on Valentine’s Day (While Still Making Things Special)
Life lessons -
Birthdays, Christmas, Valentine’s Day and other holidays should be times of celebration, recreation, and fun. However, the stress of paying for a special meal or gift can often overshadow the pleasure of these occasions. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and make reckless money decisions, but it’s important to remember that it shouldn’t be about stretching your budget to the maximum. You can still enjoy this year’s Valentine’s Day while staying on the budget - here’s how:
Do Some Research
If you’re planning a night out on Valentine’s Day, make sure you browse through a number of different options. Check what kind of offers are being made by different restaurants, compare prices, and choose the option that best fits your budget. Download an app that lists happy hours at nearby bars and make sure that you’re informed about entrance fees at clubs and special Valentine’s Day parties.
Stay at Home With a Movie and Home-made Dinner
There’s no better way to save money than by staying in, and it doesn’t have to be boring! Plan a special dinner menu that you can prepare together, then follow up with popcorn or a decadent dessert and watch one of your favorite movies. It will end up being more romantic than a night out and it will undoubtedly lead to less expense and no large crowds.
Don’t Go Over The Top
Unless you’re celebrating a major anniversary or planning to pop the question, there’s no need to go crazy on your spending. Avoid purchasing overpriced jewelry or buying 100 roses as an expression of your love - a personal, thoughtful present is all it takes to show your loved one how much you care.
Don’t Wait To the Last Minute
Hurried decisions and impulse purchases will always result in your spending more than you planned. To get the best deals for the lowest prices, plan your purchases well in advance. This will give you time to think and plan your budget as well as provide you with more options as you’ll be able to shop online without worry about shipping times.
Be Creative
Instead of investing huge amounts of money, invest your time and attention in a creative Valetine’s Day date. There are many things that you can make yourself, whether it’s a handmade picture frame or even a self-written poem or song. If you’re not naturally creative, check out Pinterest for an endless stream of ideas! Consider low-cost variations on classic ideas: a picnic in the park rather than a fancy dinner, or a concert at your local university rather than by a group of professional musicians.
Are You a Pro When It Comes to Budgeting For Valentine’s Day? Share Your Experience!
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