Atlantic Blog

Roses are red,

Violets are blue.

On a budget this Valentine's Day?

Then these tips are for you!

Some people have their Valentine's Day plans etched in stone a year in advance, and some of us panic plan a week before. Even if you're scrambling to make the day special, knowing that the holiday doesn't need to be expensive is essential. It's more important to create a special day where you spend time with your partner. 

Want to create a special evening but are worried about an empty wallet? Stop stressing because we've got the tips you need to celebrate a meaningful and memorable Valentine's Day on a budget.

YOU Know Your Partner Best.

If you're celebrating Valentine's Day with someone, chances are you know them well, so why not use that to your advantage? The best thing you can do for the evening is to think outside the box. 

What's special to your partner? Do they like art? Plan an evening painting something together. Are they outdoorsy? It might be a bit cold for most activities, but you can book cheap entertainment options that likely won't be busy on the 14th – like a visit to a rock-climbing gym, or axe throwing.

You know the person you're spending the special Day with, so when crafting your budget itinerary, let their interests and loves guide you. Make the night about your partner and why you love them, and no one will be thinking about money. 

Yes, Chef!

Going out to a fancy restaurant can be an exciting experience, but staying in for dinner and cooking for your partner can be even more intimate (if you know how to cook; if you don't, it's time to start practicing). 

Why cram into a crowded restaurant when you can cook with your partner or surprise them with their favorite meal? You don't need to stress yourselves out trying to make something like a Beef Wellington, but you can recreate the meal from your first date or food that's special to the two of you. 

Light some candles, set the table, let the music flow, and enjoy the evening cooking and eating together. You don't need to spend money to make things memorable. 

Green Thumbs Up

Everyone loves flowers; they're pretty to look at and smell wonderful, but if we're doing Valentine's Day on a budget, it might be time to skip the florists' manicured arrangements. 

You could buy their favorite flowers or create a bouquet of your own – the supermarket often has somewhat cheap flowers, or you could go outside the box and give your partner a bouquet made from paper if you're the crafty type.

However, let me offer an alternative. Ditch the flowers this year; they're lovely but wilt after a few days anyway. Instead, opt to gift your loved one a small plant, something green and lively. It can be something for you to bond over and care for, and by Valentine's Day next year, you'll see how much your love has grown over the last 365 days. 

For Tonight's Entertainment

Set the living room up just right, get some snacks, and have a romantic movie or game night! 

Watch your favorite movies after a nice dinner, or go head-to-head playing video games, board games, card games, or whatever you enjoy! You can even make it a couples' night if you want some more friendly competition. 

Or if you are both crafty, you can make it a special night – crochet, sculpt clay, paint, draw, or just create something chaotic together that can sit on the mantel and remind you of your special night together. 

Class is in Session

Reservations might be booked, but why not look into developing a new skill with your partner? 

Take the opportunity to learn something new together. You don’t need to book an expensive class; you can always use the internet as a guide to explore an unfamiliar area. 

Want to learn how to dance? There might be a YouTube video that can get you hitting all the right steps.

There are tons of hobbies and skills you could try:

• The internet is a treasure trove of recipes and guides to learn how to cook
• Turn your house into a pottery studio and create new kitchen staples.
• Try woodworking!
• Create your own sip-and-paint night. 

Who knows, you might develop a new passion together or, at the very least, have a great story to share. 

The Next Clue is at…

You don't need to create a stained ancient map, but a romantic scavenger hunt filled with surprises tied to your relationship journey can upgrade your Valentine's Day. 

Create clues that lead to meaningful places to the two of you – you're first date, your first kiss, the first time you said, "I love you" and any other locations that are special or meaningful to the two of you. 

Have treats or small gifts you can give at each destination and take a lovely stroll through your relationship. 

I'll Read Yours if You Read Mine

If you're a couple of bookworms, why not visit a local bookstore or library? You can spend time searching through shelves for a book for your partner. 

Find something that interests them or that you love, and share it with one another. Let it represent your feelings for your partner. Spend some time reading and discussing your books.   

If the weather is nice (which might be a tall order in Maine in February), you can pack a picnic and visit a local park to sit and read your books for a bit before talking them over. 

Who said it had to be the 14th?

The calendar might have Valentine's Day on the 14th, but you and your partner can make the holiday your own. Celebrate it on another day during the week – you'll have an easier time getting reservations at restaurants and won't have to pay raised prices. 

Plus, think about how much nicer your romantic dinner out will be when there's less chatter and people are all doing the same thing you are. 

Make the holiday your own and choose a new date for it to fall on!

We're Here to Help!

Valentine's Day is a special moment to create lasting memories with your partner. While it's common to feel the pressure to showcase your love with your wallet, it's acting from the heart that truly matters. 

However, if you plan to go above and beyond and propose on this special day, we're here to help. Are you looking to buy your significant other an engagement ring or need the extra money to make things special? Consider a personal loan to help you create the perfect day. To learn more, please stop by any of our convenient branch locations or call 800-384-0432 to speak with a team member today.

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The Atlantic blog strives to deliver informative, relevant, and sometimes fun financial information. If you enjoyed this article, please forward it to a friend.

Each individual's financial situation is unique, and readers are encouraged to contact the Credit Union when seeking financial advice on the products and services discussed. This article is for educational purposes only; the authors assume no legal responsibility for the completeness or accuracy of the contents.