I’m getting nostalgic. Frugal Holidays: Valentines Edition!
This is a rerun but it’s been awhile. Plus, I think it might interest people since it’s a few days after Valentine’s Day. I love AFTER the holiday more than the actual holiday. Why?!? Because that’s when I stock up on everything for next year!
Holidays can be fatal to your budget…but only if you let them. As you know, I am a self-proclaimed cheapskate. Not a day goes by that I don’t try to think of new, creative ways that my family can use to save money and/or get something for free. Some of my ideas are unorthodox but they work for us. Certain holidays are not celebrated in my family, at least not on the specified day or in the traditional sense. Valentines Day is one of those holidays. So, while everyone is trying to outdo one another with flowers and candy, the Lane family is plotting how we can have the most fun with the least amount of money! Here are some of the things we do for Valentines Day:
* We buy our candy on February 15th. It’s still fresh and it’s always around 50% off. No, it’s not the BEST deal but it’s the best selection and sometimes that works out better. Buy the leftovers later to use in recipes and so forth.
*We go out using one of our Christmas gift cards, combined with a coupon of course. We also either go to lunch or a few days early or late. Get caught in a crowd or pay holiday prices? What do you think I am, an amateur?!?!
*We buy our decorations on clearance. The Lane family stocks up on Valentines decor and cards one year in advance. This way, you don’t have to rush out at the last minute plus you get everything at the best price. Just be careful that nothing has a year on it.
*My flowers come from a grocery store, again, the day after. Grocery store bouquets are just as pretty and they usually have some leftover after the holiday, on clearance. Just put those babies in water and add some Sprite. They will perk right up!
*We might make a special dinner at home. Restaurants cost a small fortune. Plan a menu of what you would order at your favorite restaurant and then find the recipe. Make it at home, together. Thank you, Pinterest.
*Use your imagination. Make your loved one a gift. Those are more heartfelt anyway! I made this man-bouquet for my husband a few years ago. I used a vase and ribbon that we already had and cheap heart sprigs. The jerky and candy were on sale too. It costs around $5 to make and he loved it.
These might be common sense but I hope you might rethink how you spend your holidays. Don’t let card companies and jewelry stores tell you how to celebrate! 