Valentine’s Day is coming up, and even though it might look different this year because of COVID, you can still have a great time with your date. This year, you can have a fun, frugal, and socially distanced Valentine’s Day so you can stay safe from the virus and from credit card debt! ACCC offers these tips for a COVID and budget friendly Valentine’s Day:
If you’re paying off debt, try a budget friendly Valentine’s Day!
Do Dinner at Home
We know, you’ve been hearing this advice for almost a year now. Unfortunately, it most places, it is still not safe to go out to crowded restaurants or other venues. The bright side of this is that you can save money on Valentine’s Day this year! Rather than going to an expensive restaurant, try to replicate your favorite restaurant meal at home. Cooking at home costs a fraction of the price of a restaurant meal, and besides, cooking with your Valentine’s Day date can be a fun activity too!
Have a Rom-Com Movie Night at Home
Again, going to movie theaters is not entirely safe right now, so it’s better to have a movie night at home. Dig out your favorite old school rom-com DVDs, pop some popcorn, and have a fun rom-com throwback night! There are also tons of options for romance movies on Netflix and Hulu. Think about the money you’ll save! The average cost of a movie ticket is $9.11, plus if you factor in the cost of the movie theater snacks and drinks, you’re probably saving around $30-$40 by staying home. If you’re in a debt management program, any savings can help you repay debt faster.
Limit Spending on Gifts
According to CNBC, last year Americans spent an average of $142 on Valentine’s Day gifts for their partners. For many consumers, that just isn’t feasible this year. Having a budget friendly Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean you can’t get your loved one a gift, but you don’t want to overspend. If your income isn’t as stable as it was before COVID, you may not be in a financial position to be purchasing pricey Valentine’s Day gifts for your significant other. You may want to talk to them ahead of time and agree on a spending limit, such as $20 for gifts this year. Skip the expensive jewelry or watch this year, and instead opt for the traditional chocolates and heart-shaped candies.
Take a Romantic Stroll
If the weather in your area isn’t bad, another great budget friendly Valentine’s Day activity (that’s also COVID safe!) is taking a romantic stroll. Is there a particularly picturesque area in your city? It might be fun to walk around there and take some photos together, especially if you have a Polaroid camera or are a photography aficionado. You could even use the pictures you take to put in a scrapbook or photo album for a budget-friendly birthday or anniversary gift later!
Final Thoughts on COVID & Budget Friendly Valentine’s Day Ideas
As much as we wish things were back to normal, the priority right now is still staying safe and social distancing. The second priority is sticking to your budget, especially for those who are still unemployed or have unstable income. Valentine’s Day can be a fun holiday without spending hundreds of dollars and racking up credit card debt. Keep in mind, the holiday shouldn’t be about excessive consumerism and breaking the bank. It should be about spending quality time with your partner, and that doesn’t cost a penny!
If you struggle to pay off debt, ACCC can help. Schedule a free credit counseling session today!
