Three Quick Ways to Stop Seeing Red from the Valentine's Day Blues -

You have planned the perfect Valentine’s Day: roses delivered with chocolates, reservations at the finest restaurant in town and not to mention buying the actual gift. The day has come and gone. And now, you saw the credit card bills and realized you overspent.

According to CNBC, you weren’t alone. Americans were predicted to shell out and average of $192.80 for candy, cards, flowers and other gifts for friends, loved ones, classmates and coworkers this year. That figure is up from 2022, when the average Valentine’s Day expense was $175.41.

You may already be in a panic because the bills have already been piling up. Now, your budget for next month looks tight, and for some, the creditors’ calls seem even louder. Do you need help getting back on track? Beyond Finance has three ways to combat the Valentine’s Day Blues.

The million-dollar question sure to make you love sick all over again: Did you participate in the spending frenzy for the love holiday or spend according to your budget? Here’s how to be prepared for next year.

Learn Your Financial Love Language

Valentine's Day dates do not have to cost you much so get creative.

Keep in mind that dates and gifts can be inexpensive. There are many exciting and inexpensive gifts, so look around for low-cost or free options that won’t set you back for the month.

If you have already overspent and are behind on monthly bills, it’s time for a more practical solution.

You may have done generic “love language tests” quizzes to learn more about what matters to you or a loved one most. However, have you ever done any assessments or tests to determine your financial wellness? Beyond Finance offers a free assessment to help you better understand your situation. It’s free, takes only a few minutes, and could change how you view your financial stress.

Finances are Forever

Your finances will be around after Valentine's Day ends- be sure you account for that.

Try and keep in mind that Valentine’s Day–or any holiday–is just one day. While it is important to celebrate those special occasions, realize that you can’t break up with your finances.

According to WalletHub, 1 in 5 Americans thinks a Valentine’s Day gift is worth the hassle of credit card debt.

Whatever you spend on your credit card will come back around, so make that part of your budget moving forward. Debt is easy to take on but hard to remove. Before swiping your credit card, consider tackling what you owe after the holiday.

Keep Cupid’s Bow Close

Using a expense spreadsheet to help you budget for Valentine's Day will help eliminate overspending.

It’s no secret Cupid keeps his bow aimed year-round! Think of your budget as cupid’s bow this year. Be sure you have added whatever you spend to your expense spreadsheet. If you spent more than what you set aside for this particular day, look at other categories to cut back during the month.

Next year, start a separate savings account for your gift-giving and holiday shopping, and put back a dollar amount each month. That way, instead of spending a considerable amount impulsively, the money has already been set aside.

When you don’t have a financial surprise at the end of a good time, it’s interesting how that time stays good. Don’t let credit card bills surprise you and ruin a pleasant memory. Valentine’s Day is a time for love and happiness–two things credit card bills are not. You deserve financial peace of mind. And if you need help with that, allow us to help spread the Cupid feel-good for you.