Budget Friendly Valentine’s Day

Posted February 10, 2021 in Money Saving Tips

Here’s how to enjoy a romantic evening with your partner without going into debt:

Work with a budget

We know your partner means the world to you, but that doesn’t mean you need to spend the world proving it. Designate a budget for all your Valentine’s Day expenses — and stick to it!

Use a sales app

You know that face-palming moment when you realize you paid full price for something you could have gotten for way cheaper?

Keep more of your money in your wallet by shopping for Valentine’s Day gifts with a sales app like ShopSavvy or PriceGrabber. The apps will help you compare prices at various retailers and score deals and coupons on gifts.

Save on flowers

We know you found an amazing deal online for fresh roses, but don’t buy them. Flowers are not likely to last through the shipping and delivery process. Instead, look for great deals on long-lasting flowers by buying them at Sam’s Club or Aldi.

Bring down your dinner costs

Don’t break your budget on a romantic dinner for two.

First, rethink dining in. It doesn’t have to be boring or feel forced. You can lay down a blanket in front of the fireplace for a picnic-inspired experience or glam up another room for your delectable dinner for two.

If you and your partner have been counting down to a night out, save on restaurant costs by learning how to beat the psychological tricks at play in menu design:

Look left. Restaurant owners put the most profitable items on the menu in the right-hand corner — the spot most people look to automatically.
Say the price out loud. Notice the lack of dollar signs on the menu? It’s a trick to get you to spend more. Make the price real by saying it out loud.
Ignore the decoys. See that overpriced item on the menu? You need to UNSEE it. Restaurants place popular dishes near overpriced items to make diners believe they’re getting a great deal, but if you pay it no attention, you’ll beat them at their game.

Celebrate late

If you dare, postpone your Valentine’s Day celebrations by a day or two for steep savings. You’ll find Valentine’s Day candy on clearance and you won’t have to pay inflated restaurant prices for the same meal.

Check out our Facebook and Instagram pages for more money saving tips for Valentine’s Day!

Last Minute Shopping Hacks

So, in spite of all the cautions, you still waited until the last minute for your holiday shopping. Well, lucky for you, we’ve got some hacks to help. Shop early in the mornings, when the shelves are stocked, or browse online and order for store pickup. Shop your local small businesses to find great stuff and keep your money local. Remember that Dec. 14 is Free Shipping Day for those gifts you’re mailing! For fun stuff, hit the dollar store for stocking stuffers. And if all else fails, there’s always gift cards! Continue reading →

How to Save on Super Bowl Sunday

It’s Super Bowl time! If you, like me, agreed to host the big party this year, it might be looking like it’ll tackle your budget for a loss. Set up a strong defense by getting cheap décor in team colors. Dodge the pre-made Super Bowl trays and build your own to save big bucks. You can even go potluck! You’ll guarantee the celebration will be (pardon the football reference) a touchdown! Continue reading →