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Valentine’s Day: Express Your Love Without Breaking the Bank
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For more information contact:
Kelly Rote (713) 394-3201 |
Release Date: February 8, 2005 |
HOUSTON (February 8, 2005)— Just when you thought the holidays were over, Valentine’s Day makes its appearance. And even though the old saying “money can’t buy love” may hold true, money does seem to help people show their love—at least on Valentine’s Day. In fact, more money is spent on cut flowers for Valentine’s Day than any other holiday. Valentine’s Day is also the second most popular card-sending holiday and ranks number four in candy sales.
According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), more than half of American consumers celebrate Valentine’s Day. Last year, those consumers spent an estimated $12 billion, with the average consumer spending nearly $100, according to the NRF’s 2004 Valentine’s Day Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey.
Before you break the bank expressing your love this year, the experts at Money Management International (MMI) offer the following romantic alternatives:
· Use your talents. Sometimes, the best gifts are made, not bought. For example, if you are a writer, put pen to paper and leave a love letter in a secret place. Be creative and paint a picture, write a love song or cook your loved one’s favorite meal.
· Recreate the magic. If you fell in love over Chinese food, order in, light a few candles and toast yourselves with a reasonably priced wine. Visit a favorite location or make your loved one a personalized CD with all of their favorite tunes.
· Get back to nature. Taking peaceful walks, going for a picnic in the park or riding in a horse-drawn carriage can be romantic dates that are both very memorable and low-cost.
· Give the gift of time. Create a customized coupon book for your partner so they can enjoy your gift throughout the year by visiting http://www.moneymanagement.org/gifts/. Some good coupon items may include massages, breakfast in bed or sleeping-in privileges.
· Share the love. Spend the holiday with your family. Familyfun.com recommends picking up some family-friendly, romantic movies such as Beauty and the Beast, Lady and the Tramp or The Princess Bride.
· Work toward a common goal. This year you might consider making an agreement with your partner to forego the Valentine’s Day spending spree and put your money toward a common goal, such as homeownership or a summer vacation.
“The key is to use your head when shopping with your heart,” said Catherine Williams, vice president of financial literacy for MMI. “Many people forget to budget for Valentine’s Day and wind up in debt over chocolate and roses. Be sensible about this year’s spending and remember that it doesn’t take a lot of money to show someone you love them.”
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Money Management International, is a non-profit community service organization that provides confidential financial guidance, counseling and debt management assistance to consumers. MMI helps consumers trim their expenses, develop a workable budget, lower their debt payments and repay debts. Services are available by phone. To visit with an MMI counselor, call toll-free 1-800-762-2271- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Spanish speaking counselors are available. Consumers can also learn more by visiting the MMI home page at www.moneymanagement.org.
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