Most special days involve eager anticipation and nervous anxiety. There can be various reasons for these mixed emotions. Old tensions and new gossip create awkward family moments during the holidays. A trip to meet future in-laws can breach our comfort zones. Special occasions also often test limited budgets.
A recurring source of financial concern is Valentine’s Day and anniversaries. Even the most loving couples may feel pressure to up the ante on previous years or impress their new beau or belle. This can be challenging if you are on a budget. Thankfully, fine dining and expensive shows do not have to define you or romance.
In a new relationship? How your partner responds to low-budget activities tells a lot about their money psychology. Meanwhile, older relationships re-establish connections by shucking aside cliché boxes of candy and cheesy Cupids.
Setting realistic expectations, planning and creativity can all trump tight purse strings. This concept applies to many aspects of our lives.
You can gain insight for better personal finance with savvy Valentine’s Day planning, as well.
So, how can you have a memorable day without breaking the bank?
Here are some ideas to consider:
Know Your Partner and Set Expectations:
Each of us has a unique view of financial security. This greatly defines how we handle money. As Valentine’s Day approaches, do you have a sense of each other’s money psychology?
Gender roles could also increase Valentine’s Day and anniversary stress. Many men feel pressure to match the cash outlay of their friends for these occasions.
If your partner is low on cash, proactively mention cost efficient ideas for Valentine’s Day to relieve their stress. Making advance suggestions of a home cooked meal and walk in the park also sets expectations if you’re short of funds.
You can then adjust accordingly based on their reaction. Setting a ‘personal Valentine’s Day’ in the future gives more incentive to save money or reduce debt. Instead of the typical calendar, consider setting a special day 6 months from now where you can wine and dine, often at better prices.
Get ‘Touchy Feely’:
Romance involves both the mind and body. A low-cost sensory overload is within easy reach. Cooking a delicious dinner together is an active way to spark conversation. Working in tandem to create a meal can also be quite fun, even more so than the actual eating!
Beyond the joint cooking, create dishes that can be shared. This creates a mood that separate plates at a restaurant cannot.
After a quiet dinner, consider taking a walk through beautiful open spaces. Hold hands and be in the moment. You may notice stars, landmarks or other features that our hectic lives often overlook.
Your backyard or nearby park is an ideal spot to bundle up for chocolate dipped strawberries under the stars. Unlike cramped quarters at ‘Chez Whatever’, you can set the mood.
You can also try a romantic massage. Massage has become associated with trips to the mall. This is a shame as massage has endless options to spark romance. Soothing foot massages with peppermint oil and sugar are great stress relievers. And it’s free!
It is likely you will remember each and every detail of such an evening. This often can’t be said for generic Valentine’s Day outings.
Personalize Your Romance:
Naturally inspired romance is more rewarding. By gauging your partner’s expectations, Valentine’s Day can be a success whatever the budget.
Melanie’s Note: Hi guys! It’s a wonderfully beautiful (and rare) snow day here in Portland. I’m loving it so much! Valentine’s Day is next week, so I wanted to share this post about celebrating on a budget. You know how we do! This is a sponsored post. All content is in alignment with my interests and values; celebrating love and life, without breaking the bank! What are your V-day plans? I think we might go see a low-cost performance or have a nice meal at home. Also, what is your most memorable V-day?
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5 comments
All kinds of great ideas here, Melanie!! I just love the idea of working together on a picnic or a meal. It really is quite bonding, isn’t it? We’ll be staying home too, and making a yummy meal together. 🙂
Cooking together is so much fun. Really keeps you in the moment.
It’s a work day for us both but I think we’ll do our usual thing of going out to eat (food is our love language :D) and maybe stop by the CNY Lantern festival after.
Food is totally our love language too!
My husband surprised me this morning (I’m in Sydney so the day’s nearly over..) with frangipani flowers from the garden laid out in the shape of a heart. Zero cost and I find a bit of creativity is far more romantic than a bunch of roses from the shop! Tonight we had takeaway fish and chips on the beach – in the car because it started raining!