February 1, 20215 Budget-Friendly Ways to Romance Your Valentine

The chocolates. The hearts. The flowers! Valentine’s Day is the most romantic day of the year, right?  It can also be one of the most expensive, especially if you’re wining and dining your sweetheart. 

We’ve got a secret for you: Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be pricey. There are plenty of fun, romantic, cute things you can do to romance your honey on that date without wondering if your card will be declined at the end of the night. 

Cook Dinner Together. 

It’s popular to dine out at an expensive restaurant on Valentine’s Day. However, having more diners means that restaurants get crowded and that their employees are pushed to their limits. Plus, the price of the traditional three-course meal on Valentine’s Day tends to be inflated. 

This year, skip the bistro to save some coins. Instead, enjoy a lovely meal for two at home. If you both enjoy cooking, you can prep the meal together, so that you can spend even more time with each other. You can create a romantic mood at home by playing music that is special to you both, lighting some candles, and breaking out the nice plates and silverware. If neither of you enjoys cooking, there’s always the possibility of ordering out; but don’t forget to place your order early! 

 Give a Pretty Plant. 

Nothing says “I love you” like a bouquet of roses. But, unlike your love, they will start decaying in a week. A more lasting sign of your affection is a lovely plant that they can enjoy for years to come. Some plants make perfect Valentine’s Day gifts, like the sweetheart Hoya, which has heart-shaped leaves! As a bonus, both are relatively easy to care for, as long as you don’t overwater them. 

Celebrate on a Different Day. 

There’s no hard and fast rule that says you must celebrate your Valentine on February 14. If that day doesn’t work for your schedule, just pick a different day for romancing your beau. For example, you could pick a day in February that lines up with your anniversary. For instance, if you got married on November 16, celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 16. If you do, it would likely be much easier to get a reservation at your favorite restaurant, and the menu would be much more budget-friendly.

 

Enjoy a Cultural Activity Together. 

What do you and your partner love doing together with the most? Where was your first date? Maybe it was at a museum or a movie. Perhaps you met at a concert, play, or ballroom dance lesson. Choose your favorite event and buy tickets for it on or around Valentine’s Day. Usually, prices don’t jump around this time, so you can still find many affordable or free things to do.

 

Spend the Day Outdoors. 

Depending on the weather, this might be the perfect opportunity for you two lovebirds to frolic with Mother Nature. Go for a hike in a nearby park and enjoy the scenery together. You can also pack a picnic basket full of your favorite foods and spend the day on the grass in a park, or even in your own backyard. 

We’re Here to Help! 

You don’t have to spend much money to enjoy the most romantic holiday of the year. Be creative, think of what the two of you love to do the most, and you can have a perfect day—even if you don’t spend any money at all.  

Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, Christmas, birthdays, or anniversaries, taking steps early to prepare for these special events will reduce the financial burden. Stop by any branch location, use our mobile banking app, or give us a call at 1-800-226-6673 to open a  savings account. Then make small, regular deposits throughout the year to build up your holiday spending money.  

 

Each individual’s financial situation is unique, and readers are encouraged to contact PEFCU when seeking financial advice on the products and services discussed. This article is for educational purposes only; It does not constitute legal advice. If such advice or a legal opinion is required, please consult with competent local counsel.