Love is in the air, and what better way to celebrate your loved ones this time of year with a gift or gesture to show appreciation but that doesn’t mean you need to break your bank.
Pearl Cele, Operations Manager at FNB Consumer Education, advises that you should not spend money you don’t have or use credit to buy gifts.
“You can still enjoy this special day with your loved ones by keeping it simple,” she explained.
Cele’s five tips on budget-savvy ways to spread some love:
Plan – Valentine’s Day comes around each year, one of the great things you could do from a budgeting perspective is to plan ahead of time. Planning will help you not to over-extend yourself financially when celebrating or purchasing gifts.
Use your loyalty programmes – If you are a member of a loyalty programme and have points that can be used to purchase gifts or vouchers, rather use them, than using credit to buy gifts.
Look for specials – Do your homework and look for ways to reduce costs, generally different companies are offering discounts for their in-demand products and services around this time.
Consider doing a cook-off – Instead of going to a restaurant, why not spoil your loved ones with a home-cooked meal, or get the family involved by doing a cook-off? This is more fun and cost-effective.
Use your imagination and creativity – Challenge yourself to make something creatively or find a less costly activity that you can do with your loved ones. For example, a picnic. Avoid buying presents you can’t afford.
“If you are one of the people that celebrate Valentine’s Day, plan your activities ahead of time to avoid overspending on the day, also remember it is the thought that counts, celebrate love in ways that align with your financial situation,” concluded Cele.
Compiled by Gypseenia Lion
