Inexpensive ways to spend Valentine’s Day

Love may not cost anything, but Valentine’s Day is not cheap.

According to the National Retail Federation, Americans spend $193 on their Valentines. This is almost $20 more than last year.

Valentine’s Day is one of the biggest expenses on record, but don’t overdo it, says Kristin Mitchell in Living Well, Spending Less.

“We do hear that a lot of people are trying to cut back,” she said.

Mitchell, the website’s brand director, suggests ditching the restaurant and spending a romantic evening at home instead. One idea is wine or beer tasting.

“It’s so much fun,” Mitchell said. “You buy just a few bottles of wine or one bottle of beer, take out those glasses from the cupboard that you haven’t used in a long time, and prepare them. look really special.”

Another idea is to get the kids involved and have a game night, pizza night or fondue night. Mitchell also suggests ditching expensive gifts or jewelry and opting for something more meaningful.

“Tickets to a movie that means something to both of you together,” Mitchell explained. “By taking a love letter he once wrote you and putting it in a beautiful frame you got for $15.”

Finally, Mitchell offers to spend the night in a dream. Sit down with your partner and plan fun activities for the future once you save up enough money or pay off your debt.

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