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Romance on the Cheap

SS Member Image By   drodriguez
02.07.08
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Romance on the Cheap
If you are still working on paying down credit cards from the holidays, then a more modest Valentine’s Day may be just what you need. A recent article from MSNBC reported that many of us end up spending anywhere from $180 to $420 on gifts for a loved one on Valentine’s Day.

If this kind of spending is not in your budget this February, you should know that there are other meaningful and enjoyable things you can do with your sweetheart. MSNBC’s contributing writer Laura Coffey offers some ideas to keep the romance without emptying the wallet.

One idea Coffey offers is to forgo the expensive night out at a restaurant and cook or order a gourmet meal at home. Lighting candles and dressing up for the occasion will make it more special than your average night spent at home.

Another idea, if possible for you and your spouse, is to play hooky from work that day. If you have an extra personal day and your boss will allow you the time, you may even want to take both Thursday and Friday off to make a long weekend out of it. You can spend the extra time together at home or go on a small budget get-away for a couple of days.

If you feel you need to get out on the town on Valentine’s, but don’t have the cash for an expensive dinner, you may want to go to a nice restaurant for cocktails, dessert, or a cup of coffee. This way, you and yours can enjoy the ambiance and fun of being out, but won’t suffer the consequences when the bill arrives.

For the complete list of Laura Coffey’s 10 Tips for a fun ?but frugal- Valentine’s Day you can go to http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17051768/ .

What do you think of the tips listed above for having a more inexpensive Valentine’s Day celebration?

Do you have any tips of your own for getting romantic without breaking the bank on February 14th?

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  • katday1 By katday1
    02.07.08  

    I spent $50 on my daughter and Hubby. I just got him a little picture book and her a card. No need to go all out. That's for st. Patty's Day!!! No, I guess I did get my daughter a $20 outfit too for her to wear on V-Day. I don't really like V-Day...

  • RebeccaOT By RebeccaOT
    02.07.08  

    This is my first Valentine's Day married. Everyday is Valentines day for us. haha.

  • funny-face By funny-face
    02.09.08  

    I believe in saving as much as I can. I also believe in teaching my grands about saving and how to make things that are inexpensive because it means a lot to others that you are willing to take time and patience to make something that they can use, read and enjoy.

  • libby1260 By libby1260
    02.09.08  

    We always go out to eat and share cards within the family

  • ses0007 By ses0007
    02.11.08  

    We sometimes go out and eat, but service can be a problem on this busy day. I'd rather stay home or go out on a different day if we're going to spend the money on a nice meal. Or I cook in w/ crab legs and prime rib. Not sure of this year as my husband is teaching his night class on VDay. We don't normally get expensive gifts. A nice meal is plenty for us.

  • fairy73 By fairy73
    02.11.08  

    instead of buying the usual valentines cards at the store for the school parties, we print out our own and this way they are unique and something we do together but as far as gifts, hubby and i buy small little gifts for the kids all for under 20$ and then we rent a movie to watch for the whole family and eat the cookies made earlier @-}----

  • Minime777 By Minime777
    02.11.08  

    A handmade card is plenty for my hubby. He still talks about the one I made last year ;-) No need for expensive gift to impress hem...

  • anniei12 By anniei12
    02.13.08  

    I buy a card for my husband and his favorite candy (which he will not eat until after Lent is over) and I usually get the same from him. I can't see going out on Valentine's Day when the same meal you get any other day is half the price they will charge on Feb 14th.

  • kjennings By kjennings
    02.14.08  

    My husband is allowing me to sleep late in the morning while he watches the kids and cooks breakfast for everyone. He's an ANGEL!! I'll be spending extra quality time with him after the kids get to bed. A Long hot bubble bath with massage oil.

    We won't be spending a dime.

  • kirstensapphire By kirstensapphire
    02.16.08  

    It's the thought that counts. Just a nice card or a box of chocolates will be enough. You don't need to break the bank to show someone your love, you will be saving alot of money in the long run!

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