As a card-carrying woman, it’s a well-known fact that our gender gets the sweeter end of the deal when it comes to V-Day, but you still won’t see me sitting in an overcrowded restaurant with a with a box of chocolates and a dozen roses.  And that isn’t because the man in my life is insensitive — quite the opposite, actually.  I just simply don’t want them.

I’ve got one good reason to nix the Valentines spending sprees this year:  total waste of cash.  Heart shaped chocolates and $25 teddy bears in red and white t-shirts are just meaningless trinkets and hold no emotional value.  My main problem with the holiday stems from the fact that we’re trained from an early age to believe that we need to dole out wads of cash and consequently receive gifts and expensive meals so that we can mutually communicate to our partners that we care.  But real love and affection is communicated every day through words and actions.

So to celebrate frugality and smart financial decisions, we’ve got five ways to better spend that cash that you had earmarked for your loved one.

1.  Toss it into an IRA before April 15

This is where my Valentines money will be going — along with any other extra cash I manage to scrape up.  Why?  Because the more money I save up for retirement, the bigger my IRS refund will be.  See?  It pays to save.

2.  Add it towards a Debt

The more debt you pay off, the less money you have to pay in interest.  And never underestimate what a measly $50 or $60 can do.  It may just slide you right under that next financial milestone and provide a psychological boost towards repaying the rest.

3.  Open a stock account

I use Charles Schwab’s Free Investor Checking and Brokerage Account, and I’ve found that picking my own stocks is really fun and exciting (although a bit dismal in this economy).  The stock market isn’t for everyone, but if you’re under 30, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t give it a whirl.

4.  Pad your Emergency Fund

You knew it was coming — and for good reason.  You need to be prepared for spontaneous, emergency bills that pop out of nowhere.  A last-minute trip to the doctor or a new set of glasses to replace the ones you stepped on should never set you back in your finances.  Squirlling away even $500 in a separate account will benefit you later.

5.  Pay for a College Class

It’s no secret that I don’t advocate going back to college full-time during a recession, but that certainly doesn’t mean that I don’t support continuing your education.  You can take specific skill building classes at universities and other community centers around your city or neighborhood.  Some of these might be free while others may cost a few hundred dollars.  Take a class and better prepare yourself for a new job or boost your credentials to keep your current one.

.

You didn’t think I’d totally diss the heartfelt feelings did you?  Here are 5 ways to really show your significant other that you care — any day of the year — without draining your bank account in the process.

1.  Send them a card at their office

Maybe I’m an anomaly, but I love getting mail.  Nothing is too small and insignificant to pique my interest and brighten my day.  Getting a random card in the mail from a loved one — just because?  Awesome.  And something I will most likely remember and save for years to come.

2.  Cook or Order Out their Favorite Meal

Nothing beats coming home after a long day to find your favorite salmon teriyaki bento box from the local sushi restaurant waiting for you on the kitchen table.  Take some initiative by planning their favorite meal, and you can make their evening that less complicated.

3.  Schedule a Stroll in a Nearby Park

Life can be excruciatingly busy — long work hours, after work commitments, and family obligations can take their toll on your you and your schedule.  Sometimes you end the week and realize you’ve barely spent a few hours total with your partner.  Take some time out, relax and use that time to catch up with your better half.

4.  Meet Them after Work with Coffee and a Treat

Sometimes, just for the heck of it, I’ll meet my boyfriend at his office after work — with a couple of Crumbs cupcakes and coffee in tow.  Why?  Because Crumbs are delicious — and so is my man.  (Pardon the hideous pun).

5.  Participate in One of Their Favorite Activities

You’re not going to always have the same tastes and enjoy the same activities as your squeeze.  Happily agree to eat out at that Ethiopian restaurant they’re always raving about or man up and outdo them at the karaoke bar.  Relationships are all about the give and take, so be a willing participant.

And of course, you know, there’s that other thing you can do.

No related posts.