They say money can’t buy love. But every February 14, we scramble to buy the most expensive gift or plan the grandest show of affection. And that’s all fine . . . until money’s tight. Then it just feels stressful.
Don’t get me wrong, I love a sweet gesture as much as the next girl. But you guys, love is so much bigger than a price tag. Last year, the average American spent $188 on Valentine’s Day.1 That’s a lot of money spent on chocolates and flowers just to prove how much you care.
You don’t reignite romance by spending more money. You do it by being thoughtful and intentional with the little things you do for each other. And if you and your significant other are working toward a financial goal, protecting that progress is a gift in itself.
So here are my suggestions for creating meaningful Valentine’s Day memories that don’t wreck your budget.
Start with a spending plan
I know what you’re probably thinking: Rachel, this is Valentine’s Day. You can’t put a price on making your person feel special! But just because it’s “in the name of love” doesn’t mean you get a free pass to go overboard with your spending.
Before you buy any gifts, sit down together and talk about expectations. Trust me, setting a clear dollar amount (or even choosing a no-spend Valentine’s Day on purpose) helps you celebrate without sacrificing your financial peace for one extravagant night. Once you’ve picked a number, put it in your budget so you know exactly what you’re working with for the rest of the month.
Plan an experience, not a purchase
Some of my favorite Valentine’s memories are the things my husband, Winston, and I have done together, not the stuff he’s given me. When I know he’s taken the time to plan a sweet date, there’s nothing that makes me feel more special.
The good news? You can plan something romantic and meaningful without spending much at all. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Serve your spouse breakfast in bed.
- Enjoy a home-cooked, candlelit dinner at home.
- If the weather’s nice, pack a picnic for two and visit a local park.
- Have a game night or movie marathon in the comfort of your home.
- Bundle up and lie outside for a night of stargazing.
- Check online for free or low-cost local events or concerts.
You can brainstorm ideas together or keep it a surprise. Either way, experiences like these feel far more personal — and memorable — than expensive gifts ever will.
Give thoughtful gifts that cost little (but mean a lot)
If your love language is giving and receiving gifts, you might be having a tiny panic attack right now. But hear me out — what if, instead of buying a dozen roses that somehow cost $85 after delivery, you focused on something more personal (and way more budget-friendly)?
Here are a few ideas to help you focus on being intentional this Valentine’s Day:
- Exchange handwritten letters or notes sharing what you love and appreciate about each other.
- Create a memory jar filled with your favorite moments together.
- Put together a playlist of love songs that remind you of each other and listen to it together.
- Give a small gift tied to an inside joke or a shared goal you’re working toward.
- Make a photo book of your favorite memories together.
- Create a coupon book with things like a free massage (from you), a chore pass or a home-cooked meal of their choice.
- Put together a gift basket with all their favorite candy (Dollar Tree is your best friend here).
At the end of the day, gifts like these show that you paid attention. And that kind of thoughtfulness will always mean more than a price tag.
Make it special with time and attention
I don’t know about you guys, but by the time Valentine’s Day rolls around, I’m usually still recovering from a busy Christmas and New Year’s. And in seasons like that, I’ve found that the best gift you can give each other is time and attention.
That means stepping back from the crazy schedules and deciding your relationship comes first. It might look like unplugging from your phones for the day or planning uninterrupted time together — especially if you have kids and quiet moments feel rare. You can also look for simple, meaningful ways to serve each other. Maybe that’s doing the dishes after dinner, taking something off your partner’s to-do list, or finally getting around to that home project you’ve been putting off.
The most meaningful Valentine’s Days are intentional
Whatever it looks like for you, remember this: Emotional connection (not money) is the heart of Valentine’s Day. You don’t need debt or stress to show someone you love them. A simple plan, a little creativity and a focus on what really matters can go a long way.
So enjoy the season you’re in and stay true to your goals. Because a Valentine’s Day that supports your relationship and your finances is always worth it!
* Rachel Cruze is a two-time #1 national bestselling author, financial expert, host of The Rachel Cruze Show and co-host of Smart Money Happy Hour. Since 2010, Rachel has served at Ramsey Solutions, where she teaches people how to avoid debt, budget and win with money at any stage in life. She’s an energetic and thought-provoking speaker and has been speaking to audiences as large as 10,000 since the age of 15 when she began making appearances with her father, Dave Ramsey. She has appeared on Good Morning America, Today, Live With Kelly and Ryan, CNN Tonight, Fox and Friends and the Rachael Ray Show and has been featured in the Woman’s Day, Success and Real Simple magazines. Rachel believes it’s possible for anyone to turn around their finances, win with money, and build a life they love. Follow Rachel on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and X.
The post Rachel Cruze: Making Valentine’s Day Memorable on a Budget appeared first on Thousandaire.
