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By Tisha Tolar There are the cynics that say Valentine’s Day is a retail racket meant to guilt people into spending too much to prove their eternal love to others, but there are also many consumers who will still go out of their budget to buy some pretty impractical things. The Valentine’s Day celebration often includes expensive jewelry, cards, candy, and flowers but as times change, more people are constricted by tight budgets and obsessing about not being able to do more this year.
Fear not! There is hope for all. Here are some tips to keep your love spirits high, your loved ones happy, and your budget intact for Valentine’s Day.
Order Now
If you are shopping for flowers or shipping candy, you should place your order ASAP to avoid paying rush charges or extra shipping and handling. The beginning of February will signal the start of premium pricing so get your order in now. Flowers in particular may be affected in pricing this year due to the cold weather. Flower suppliers are reporting instances of slowed production, especially for roses which means florists will be paying higher prices and passing along to their customers even higher ones.
A Rose is a Rose — Buy Something Else
Chances are good your gal likes some other kind of flower than just a rose. Long-stemmed roses are the most popular, and red long-stemmed roses are the most expensive. Ask about other kinds of bouquet arrangements that can be made using another favorite flower or color. To save even more, choose something that is in season. If you must get roses, buy just one to present in person or mix other flowers in with a rose arrangement to bring down the cost.
Bring on the Coupons
Many online retailers will be happy to accept a discount coupon with a purchase. There are a ton of sites that offer coupons for popular online vendors including FTD. However, the trick of the coupon game is to get the order in early as many coupons expire at the beginning of February. There is no shame in getting a good deal.
Be Non-Traditional with a Delivery
If you plan to send your sweetums flowers or candy, don’t mark the 14th as a delivery date. This year Valentine’s Day is on a Sunday so you can be assured delivery charges will be higher than normal. Ask for delivery on Thursday or Friday. Not only will you be saving money, you might also earn bonus points for sending gifts to the office early as a surprise.
Agree to Be Frugal
If financial constraints are not a secret amongst loved ones, agree to skip the retail craziness of Love Day and do something free. Visit a museum, have a carpet picnic, stay in bed — whatever it is you decide to do choose it together and enjoy the quality time, which is far more priceless than any gift could ever be.Permalink | Comments | Tisha Tolar's blog | Channel: ShoppingSimilar entries:

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• Take back St. Valentine’s Day from Hallmark and Hershey’s.

This article is from Wise Bread.