Celebrate Your Relationship Without Breaking Your Budget
Three Frugal Ways To Say "I Love You"
Valentine’s Day is seen by many as an opportunity to show those we love just how much we care about them. According to the National Retail Federation, many choose to show their love through gifts, spending an average of $14.2 billion on their partner or spouse–an average of $185.81. If splurging close to $200 isn’t quite in the cards, consider your partner’s language of love and preferences to maximize a celebration that feels personalized to your relationship–but also stays on budget. Whether they feel the most love through acts of service, quality time, physical touch, gift-giving or words of affirmation, check out these ideas on making a grand gesture–without busting your budget.
1. Redeem Earned Points from Credit Card Purchases
Use all the spending you did for the holidays to your advantage. Redeems points for gifts, gift cards or experiences that you and your significant other can use while celebrating your love for one another. Don’t have points to redeem? PenAir Credit Union offers a Rewards Mastercard, which offers points on everyday purchases. Sign up for one today and receive 20,000 bonus points.*
*Offer only available on new accounts. You will receive 20,000 CURewards® bonus points upon making purchases totaling at least $1,000 (exclusive of credits, returns and adjustments) that post to your account within 90 days of the account open date. Account must be in good standing to receive the bonus points.
2. Cook A Meal Together
If you and your partner are looking for some quality time together, consider planning and cooking a meal together. Use the time to bond, rekindle old flames or create new memories to cherish in the years to come. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index (CPI), the price of food at the grocery has increased 1.6% from November 2023 to November 2024. However, the prices of meals at restaurants and meal deliveries rose 3.6% in the same frame. This means it is cheaper to buy and make your own meals at home. Not only can you save money by buying and making it yourself, but you are able to stretch the items over multiple meals–saving even more money. Get creative and discover a new dish or give a new spin to an old favorite with the one that warms your heart.
3. Create a Home Theater Experience
If your partner is a movie buff or you rarely get the chance to see the latest big-screen debuts, create an at-home movie theater experience. Enjoy an old favorite from your movie collection, stream one from one of your subscriptions, or rent a newly released film. According to the CPI, while at-home video subscription costs rose 4.2% over the last year– compared to the 2.1% of admissions to movies, theaters or concerts, what you get–and the length of time you have to watch it still has you saving money. Plus, you can stock up on your favorite movie treats at the store, saving even more by not paying the movie theater markup at the concessions.
Showing your partner how much you love and appreciate them this Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to break the bank. Use this time to celebrate your relationship and remind your partner how much they matter to you. No matter how you choose to do it, don’t forget to say, “I love you.” Those who love words of affirmation will appreciate it and so will the rest of us.