“Affordable Valentine’s Day Ideas to Show Your Love”

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Celebrate Valentine’s Day Without Breaking the Bank

Valentine’s Day is often associated with romantic gifts and grand gestures, but celebrating your loved one doesn’t have to be expensive. According to the National Retail Federation, average spending in 2023 was just under $200. Fortunately, there are many ways to celebrate that won’t strain your budget. Here are seven simple strategies to save money this Valentine’s Day.

1. Celebrate at Home

Skip the crowded restaurants and pricey menu items by creating a romantic Valentine’s Day at home. Some budget-friendly ideas include:

• Cooking dinner together
• Making a decadent dessert like chocolate fondue or homemade ice cream
• Ordering takeout and watching a movie
• Setting up a DIY wine or dessert tasting
• Creating an at-home spa experience with a bubble bath, candles, and relaxing music
• Going all in on game night
• Taking an online class together like dancing, yoga, cooking, or another activity you’re both interested in

2. Pay With Gift Cards

If you have gift cards from the holidays, put them to good use on Valentine’s Day. Check what you have to see if your partner might like anything from those businesses. This can include gifts, dinner, or experiences. If not, consider an online gift card exchange to sell or trade your cards. Friends and family might also be open to bartering. Another option is buying discounted gift cards for Valentine’s Day spending.

3. Redeem Credit Card Rewards

Credit card rewards can be very useful on Valentine’s Day. A cash back card, for example, allows you to earn money on everyday purchases. If you have a 2% cash back reward, you’ll earn $2 for every $100 spent. Redeem your rewards by requesting a check or initiating a transfer to your bank account. Your credit card issuer might also let you trade your earned cash for gift cards, which could be handy for your Valentine’s Day plans.

4. Take Advantage of Valentine’s Day Specials

Check if local businesses are running Valentine’s Day promotions. This includes:

• Spas
• Nail salons
• Restaurants
• Boutiques
• Gyms and yoga studios
• Theme parks
• City tour guides
• Museums

You might find discounted goodies or services. For example, a nearby spa might offer a sale on couples massages. Follow local businesses on social media to see what’s available. Sites like Groupon are also good places to look.

5. Go With Homemade Gifts

You can have a meaningful Valentine’s Day without splurging on expensive jewelry and designer products. Homemade gifts can be a thoughtful alternative that shows your partner how much you care. Here are some ideas:

• Write and share poetry or music inspired by your partner
• Make a tray of your partner’s favorite desserts
• Take a candle- or soap-making class and create a one-of-a-kind gift
• Put together a photo album of your favorite memories and experiences as a couple
• Make a recipe book of your partner’s favorite meals

6. Enjoy the Outdoors

Instead of making dinner reservations, consider spending Valentine’s Day outside. There are plenty of free and low-cost options that can be just as romantic. Consider these options:

• Enjoying a special meal on the beach
• Packing a picnic at a park or botanical garden
• Taking a downtown stroll or walk in a cute neighborhood
• Going for a hike or exploring a nature trail
• Taking a bike tour
• Signing up for an outdoor exercise or art class

7. Agree on a Spending Limit

Discuss with your partner what Valentine’s Day means to them and how they’d like to spend it. You may find that expensive gifts and a fancy night out aren’t that important to them. A romantic night at home might be more meaningful. Set a spending limit that feels right for both of you to prevent one person from spending more than the other, which could lead to an awkward exchange. The key is to keep the lines of communication open.

The Bottom Line

Valentine’s Day is about showing your significant other how much you care. It’s easy to go overboard on gifts and experiences, but these tips can help keep your budget in check. What matters most is doing things that are meaningful to you and your partner.

Keeping up with your financial health can also be good for your relationship, especially if you share money with your partner. You can both check your credit reports and credit scores for free with Experian.

For any mortgage service needs, call O1ne Mortgage at 213-732-3074. We’re here to help you with all your mortgage needs!

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