It is indeed the ‘month of love’, whether you like it or not. And, you can go love-wild with your spending and regret it financially, OR, you can treat it like any other day – sticking to your budget while adding that little bit of extra care and love of course. This can surely put your mind (and finances) at ease in the process.
Carla Oberholzer, debt adviser and public relations officer at DebtSafe, encourages you to take caution when spending your hard-earned money this coming Valentine’s Day. “Over-spending on your monthly budget is not worth paying the price in the long run,” says Oberholzer. Here are, therefore, seven tips to consider when making your last-minute preparations:
Plan and know what your expected outcome for Valentine’s Day is
You can’t just ‘wing’ this love-filled day without a bit of planning. Know what you want to do, what it is going to cost you and get your estimates in line with your monthly budget.
Consider special and affordable homemade meals
Surprise your loved one with an affordable breakfast in bed or create a scrumptious dinner dish with your partner in the comfort of your own home, and with ingredients you already have available. Visit Pinterest for some fun and keeping-it-affordable ideas.
If dining out is really an option for your budget, then…
Consider a nice, yet reasonably priced restaurant option IF you have saved for a night out or a meal. Keep a lookout for those Facebook shares and advertisements, make use of a phone app: the ENTERTAINER or do your research by taking a look at other channels like a food blog – indicating various specials.
Take cash with you to avoid using credit
If you have started your finances off on the right note and have saved some money for a night on the town, be mindful of the amount that you are ‘allowed’ to spend and carry that exact amount of cash with you. This can help you to stay within budget by not using your credit card at all.
Store treats are so yesterday
Buying candy and chocolates can be very expensive, especially if you did not include it in February’s budget. What about making your own treats? Take a look at your pantry or fridge and give your own mallow-treats as well as those chocolate hearts a try.
Make sure that if you want to buy flowers, you can afford it
“Roses are red and the price tags too,” highlights Oberholzer. The demand, supply, increased transportation costs as well as additional labour costs are some of the reasons behind the price hike on flowers in February. Think about alternatives – a pot plant or personally-plucked flower bouquet from your garden can surely do the trick.
Quality is in time NOT venue
Time does not cost you an arm and a leg, therefore, make use of it by spending some proper quality time with your someone WITHOUT breaking the bank. There is nothing better than just being together. Choose an affordable setting (logistically speaking). Why not watch a movie in your own lounge, have a picnic outside, enjoy those board games you used to play or enjoy listening to your favourite tunes in the living room?
Special and affordable should go hand in hand when it comes to your 2019 Valentine’s Day. Showing that you care does not need to put you in an over-indebted situation. Be sure to take the above tips into account and have a memory-filled evening and day.