Budget Yourself This Valentines

Valentine's Day will be here soon and up to now me and my partner haven't planned anything. We will probably end up having some steak and chips at home, the same as what we did last year. With Valentine's Day being so close to Christmas and the January Sales it can be pretty expensive. But it doesn't have to be. Valentines Day should be a day were a couple appreciate eachother and spend time together. You don't have to go to that fancy restaurant, or buy her the perfect and most expensive flowers or perfume. You can keep in budget and keep it simple but still have a good time with your partner. Here are a few of my tips on how you can have a good Valentines Day and not spend a lot of money -

DVD Night
Cinema tickets are so expensive nowadays, especially the snacks and popcorn on top. Why not just pop down the shops and buy a new film and a couple of snacks which will save you money in the long run. Alternatively, you can rent a film on Sky or download one on Netflix or anything else.

Cinema cost: £25 / DVD Night at home w/snacks: £15 / You save roughly £10

Food at home
How about cooking food or ordering a takeaway and eating it in the comfort of your own home? You cant eat food in your pyjamas or joggers in a restaurant but you can at home and save money whilst doing so. You can watch what you want, or if you still want that romantic meal you could freshen up your dinning table, buy some candles and there you go, all done.

Food in restaurant (3 course & drinks): £50 / Food at home: £10 / You save roughly £40

Go for a walk
A romantic walk is a great way to catch up with each other. If you both work and have children then it can be pretty tough to get a good chat with your partner without anybody interrupting you. This can also be a great way to bond by talking about how each other met, old memories together and more.

Last minute get away
Were you wanting to go away for Valentines Day? Why not take a risk and book last minute. Usually by booking last minute you will get great deals. There are many sites to look on if you take a look on Google 'Last minute hotel bookings'

Just a card
If you are really tight on money, you could have a chat with your partner and hopefully both of you agree on just buying or making each other a Valentines Day card and no presents. At the end of the day, it's the thought that counts doesn't it?

What are you doing for Valentines Day?

* This post was originally posted on the 13th February 2014 but I have edited and changed a few paragraphs.