Valentine's Day is here and The National Retail Federation (NRF) says Americans will spend nearly $18 billion on Valentine's Day this year. The average guy expected to shell out about $168, according to a survey commissioned by the organization. Women say they'll spend about half that amount at around $85. (source www.nrf.com)
Valentine's can be such a difficult holiday because you never know how much money you should spend or you don't always know what the right thing do is for that special someone in your life. I think it goes without saying that your relationship is worth much more than $168, but know that whether you spend more or less than that amount won't matter as much as how much of your heart you put into the gift.
If you are thinking about saving money, here are five small money saving Valentine's Day tips I have:
- Buy roses in a color other than RED!
- It's a Tuesday, so bring home dinner versus eating out.
- If you go out, a night at the movies and a luxury dessert can be more cost effective than an expensive dinner.
- Get a blank card so you can write your special thoughts versus some poem from a greeting card company.
- If you love Pizza, how can you pass up the Papa John's heart shaped pizza pie and cinnapie on the side? (O.K.- maybe this one will put you in the doghouse for six months so don't do this one)
On Valentine's day, the real smart money move to make is to pay close attention to things your partner may like or use every day. Whether that gift costs $50 or $500, getting a gift that really means something is what Valentine 's Day is all about to me. If you can't think of a gift, then I'm sure a check for $168 will do . . . that is if you don't want to celebrate another Valentine's day with that person!
Written by:
Ted Jenkin, CFP®, AAMS®, AWMA®, CRPC®, CMFC®, CRPS®
Co-CEO and Founder of oXYGen Financial, Inc
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