Feb
14
Valentines Choices
February 14, 2008 | 1 Comment
Consumerism Commentary and MyMoneyBlog posted their articles on ways to have a frugal valentines, check them out.
Happy Valentines Day!!
I have my own opinions about the special day. The biggest one is that it benefits retail — just not enough to get us out of this recession (or recession-wanna-be) soon enough. The average American spends $120 on this day – maybe, knowing there is a $600 rebate coming, that number will increase. So far I am just a sliver below it — and it was just flowers! I do not know if it is the most efficient use of money. Sure she loves them, and sure she doesn’t want to feel like she is the only one in the office without flowers. But for some reason, I think the same money would be better spent on two Ski Lift Tickets 
There are some money related things I think about St. Valentine’s Day:
- Dinner at home – But do something special. (Even the worst cook can do a Filet Mignon, or a Tuna Steak and a good bottle of wine — the veggies can be frozen). It is about the same thing you would get at the restaurant, but done with love. And probably for about half the price. And you can drink the bottle of wine without fear of crashing your car, plus you are closer to home in case some lovely feelings develop during dinner.
- Find Other Ways Of Pleasing Your Valentine – BFP tells us about the Five Languages of Love. Different people like different stimulus. Some people like flowers, some like jewelry. Some others like words and poems. Find what your love loves the most and do it. Price is not necessarily the issue: impact is.
- Don’t Valentine Everyone – For some reason Hallmark keeps telling us we have to give Valentine’s cards to everyone around us. From being a day of love it became a day of “Love and Friendship”. Next thing I know, I get notifications from online card places to send cards on every possible day of the year, like “Send cards for Memorial Day!”. There are things worth celebrating – a Birthday as a special day for someone. A yearly holiday period (like Christmas or New Year). But celebrating every couple of months is a bit overdone.
- Send Flowers Monday Morning (if you send flowers) – Sure, Valentine’s Day is on Thursday. Don’t worry, flowers will still be there.
- Pick Flowers From Your Mom’s Bouquet (and/or Garden) – This is not my idea, it is my younger brother’s. He used to grab a few flowers from my Mom’s flower arrangement before he went on his Valentine’s Date. Not that I advocate this, but it was practical. The same item was generating double the joy! When the bouquet was not enough (too many girl friends, I guess), the roses in the garden did it. Which reminds us that there are many beautiful things in life, not just those that are advertised and sold. You may have flowers in warm countries that can be picked up fresh. Roses are not the only beautiful flowers. And a potted flowering plant may be just as beautiful as a bouquet and may last for a long time. Think about alternatives.
Be sure to enjoy the day!
Ohh, BTW, if you do not have a Valentine today, do not despair. I met my now wife on Valentine’s Day. But be sure to check MyOpenWallet’s thoughts about the Cost of Starting a New Relationship.
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I think those are some great tips for having a good time on valentines day while not spending your entire paycheck. It can be expensive for women too. I love all of these ideas and I would recommend that men especially should read those over carefully!