According to BIGresearch, in 2011 Americans spent $3.4 billion on dinners, $3.5 billion on jewelry, $1.1 billion for cards, and $1.7 billion for flowers for Valentines Day. I am beyond shocked at that number. We won’t be participating in 2013′s numbers, which is supposed to top $17 billion, and it’s not because we don’t love each other. We are just trying to save money and pay down debt.
However, if you just can’t stand the thought of skipping the day of love, how about some tips that will help your wallet?
1. You don’t have to have professional floral arrangements. There is more than one way to send your very best. Try hitting my personal favorite, Costco or some other grocery store. They can sometimes have amazing arrangements for a fraction of the cost.
2. Stay at home. Skip the long lines and crowds by staying in. You can rent a Redbox, make your favorite steak for way less than what you would normally pay out and just cuddle and remember what love is.
3. Haggle for jewelry. A lot of stores mark up high for Valentine’s Day, which is why it’s a good time to haggle. Go later at night if you can too. The closer you get to closing time, the more likely they would be to drop the price.
4. Do something that costs you nothing. If your significant other does all the yard work, do it all yourself. If they do all the laundry give them a week off. Whatever they are used to doing in your home, give them a break. Honestly, if my husband would do laundry for a month, that would be better than the biggest diamond in the world!
5. Make homemade treats. I LOVE Almond Rocha. It’s my favorite candy. But seriously it’s expensive for the little you get. However, I found this awesome recipe. Now if I can just get my husband to make it for me. Just remember there is usually always a way to make your favorites at home. Google really is your best friend.
What are your Thrifty Tips for Valentine’s Day?
Printable Coupon: Save $3 off one Lindt Chocolate item, 5.1 oz or larger.
Lindt Truffles are 2 for $7 at CVS right now, and will be that price at both CVS and Walgreens next week. Print 2 of this coupon (you’re allowed a maximum of 2 per Facebook account) and pay only $.50 each bag!
Personalized Photo Note Cards only $2 each!
Order By February 4th To Receive By Valentine’s Day.
+ If you are a new customer, you’ll also get 40 free prints!
Did you forget…er… procrastinate… to send Chrismas cards? Why not send Valentine’s cards to your family and friends instead? Show your love!
I’m sure you’ve heard of Groupon, but what about Living Social? They’re the next best (sometimes even better, if you ask me) in the world of discount local activities, events, and products. I’m looking forward to my Segway tour, a fun event for my birthday. 
Half price cannot be beat! I also really enjoyed my hotel in Washington D.C. walking distance from the National Mall, that I got half priced through Living Social, it even included parking, breakfast, and a fruit and cheese platter! Clearly, I recommend Living Social and if you haven’t signed up, Sign Up NOW!
I don’t always make New Year’s Resolutions because, well, it’s often the same thing. Lose weight. Exercise more. Wake up at early rather than whenever my toddler comes to wake me. Eat better. Read more. Save money… Or, something like that.
This year, I’m keeping it simple and I thought I’d share.
1. Early Mornings. Waking up early helps me get some quiet time before the children are up and tends to make for a happier and more productive day. So, since I’ve been getting up off and on around 5am. That’s my goal. Now, if the children are up in the middle of the night for various reasons, I am exempt. I give myself that. And, if you have a goal similar to this one, you should too. Don’t beat yourself up if your sleep has been interrupted and you can’t get up early to get your workout or your coffee alone.
2. Exercise. I already workout regularly as part of my normal routine. But, early mornings will mean that I could get that workout alone and even outside since everyone is sleeping. I love that!
3. Save Time. Save Money. Last year, I meal planned for the first month of the year and it was such a great experience. It really does save time and money. I dropped the ball sometime in February last year but have decided I want to make it a habit.
4. Cut Coupon Clipping Time. I realized that I was clipping many more coupons than I ever used. No more. I know what we buy and what we like. I’m only clipping those coupons now.
There may be a few more but it’s just after 5am and I’m off to go get a little workout 
Happy New Year!
Have you made resolutions this year? What resolutions have you made?
We will return to posting deals, coupons, freebies, and money saving tips on December 27th.
Merry Christmas!
Get a free personalized phone call from Santa! Start with providing your birth date, then personalize the call (child’s name, what they want for Christmas, etc.). Very cool! Get yours at Google Santa Tracker.
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