Celebrating Valentine’s Day on a Budget

Valentine’s Day is an expensive day, but you can still celebrate without going over your  budget.

Knowing that Valentine’s Day is around the corner now is the time to think ahead and work out a plan for the special day. You can set aside money now for Valentine’s Day so when the day comes, you have the money you need to spend. Being organized and knowing what the plan is will stop you from over spending.

Here are some reminders of things that are money “wasters” and suggestions to help you stay within your budget on Valentine’s Day.

Forget buying flowers especially roses as the prices are marked up for this special occasion. Another option would be to buy a potted plant. Potted flowers may not seem romantic, but they last longer and they can be re-planted into a garden.

A heart-shaped box filled with chocolate is another expensive item. Are the chocolates more exquisite and more delicious in a heart-shaped box? You can decorate a regular box of chocolates with ribbon and handmade hearts or with whatever creative ideas you can come up with.

Valentine’s Day cards aren’t cheap either. You can say it with Hallmark by making your own Valentine’s Day card and I’ll promise you it’ll be cherished more. If being creative and crafty isn’t your thing, opt to make a video or write a love note.

Going out for dinner is a tradition for many couples on Valentine’s Day and it can get expensive if you choose a fancy restaurant. There’s no guarantee when you go to an expensive restaurant that you’ll have a great time and a great meal. It can be quite the opposite. Choose a restaurant you both enjoy and remember to keep the price range within your budget.

To save more when dining out share your meals together. You can share appetizers, entrees and dessert. Pay attention to specials, for example, two can dine for $50. It’s a good way to cut down on cost.

A home cooked meal is an ideal way to save money when you’re on a budget. You don’t have to make a gourmet meal if that’s not your thing. Keep in mind, some fancy dishes aren’t as difficult as one may think, and if you want to explore and be adventurous, I suggest making the dish at least once so you’ll know how it will turn out and how it will taste.

Planning, organizing and putting money aside for the special day will certainly help you maintain your budget without over spending. There’s no price tag on love and however, you choose to celebrate Valentine’s Day, the important thing is spending time with the people you love. Over spending and making this day too important will only cause stress for everyone. Love should be something we live out every day–not something that must be crammed into one day of over spending!

Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money — including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions and be satisfied with your present circumstances and with what you have; for God Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. I will not, I will not, I will not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let you down (relax My hold on you)! Assuredly not! – Hebrews 13:5 (amp)

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