Keeping Up With The Bulls

A personal finance blog focused on making more money, saving money and smart spending.

  • Start Here
    • Start Here Latest Posts
    • Personal Finance Terms to Know
    • Money in Your 20s
    • Saving Money Tips
  • Career
    • Career Latest Posts
    • Advance Your Career
    • Corporate Benefits
  • Investing
    • Invest Latest Posts
    • Passive investing
    • Invest in startups
    • Retirement
  • Smart Spending
    • Smart Spending Latest Posts
    • Saving Money Tips
    • Housing
    • Food
    • Holidays
    • Wedding Guest
    • Wedding
  • Tools
    • Tools and Resources Latest Posts
  • Contact

Valentine’s Day on a Budget: Creative Ways to Save Money

02.07.2023 by admin // Leave a Comment

cute homemade valentine's day gifts, diy valentines gifts, valentines day ideas, diy valentines day cards, save money valentine's day

Valentine’s Day is a special occasion for couples to celebrate their love, but it can also be a costly holiday. However, there are many ways to save money on Valentine’s Day while still making it a memorable and romantic experience. From setting a budget and planning ahead, to being creative and avoiding peak times, there are many strategies you can use to cut costs while still showing your love and affection. Additionally, by comparing prices and avoiding commercialism, you can find ways to make the holiday special without breaking the bank. So, whether you’re planning a romantic evening out or a cozy night in, there are many ways to save money on Valentine’s Day and make it a special and memorable occasion for you and your loved one.

Set A Budget For How Much You Want To Spend on Valentine’s Day

Deciding on a budget for Valentine’s Day can be challenging, but it’s important to set a limit to avoid overspending. Start by considering your current financial situation and determine how much you can realistically afford to spend. Take into account other expenses, such as bills and savings goals, to determine the amount you can set aside for the holiday. Consider the type of celebration you want to have, whether it’s a romantic dinner, a fun activity, or a special gift, and adjust your budget accordingly. Don’t forget to factor in any special promotions or discounts that might be available. By creating a budget, you can enjoy the holiday without the stress of overspending.

How Much Should You Spend on Valentine’s Day

Historically, the average cost of Valentine’s Day is around $200 per person, depending on the type of gifts, activities, and dining plans that are chosen. However, given that a regular dinner for 2 seems to average around $200 in US cities, it the average Valentine’s Day dinner has likely gotten more expensive too. In 2022, red roses were up 22% YoY and inflation is only up since then. There is no set amount for how much you should spend on Valentine’s Day. Set the amount you want to spend and stick to that budget.

Plan Valentine’s Day Early

The best, reasonably priced Valentine’s Day restaurant reservations will be taken far in advance. Additionally, if you want a thoughtful gift from a place like Etsy, orders get backed up pretty quickly and only expensive options + expedite fees may be left. Lastly, stores have plenty of promotions. The further out you plan, the more likely you will be able to leverage a store promotion to save money on a Valentine’s Day gift. Planning ahead is an easy way to save money on Valentine’s Day gifts.

Make Cute Homemade Valentine’s Day Gifts

Instead of buying expensive gifts, make something homemade or plan a special activity together. Below are a few ideas for homemade and DIY Valentine’s Day gifts.

  1. A homemade scrapbook or photo book filled with memories of you and your significant other. Shutterfly frequently runs promotions and has templates to make this cheap and easy.
  2. A homemade coupon book filled with things like “a night of their choice of movie and home-cooked dinner” or “a day of doing their household chores.”
  3. A framed photo of the two of you with a heartfelt message written on the back.
  4. A homemade gourmet meal or baked goods.
  5. A hand-drawn or painted piece of art for them to display in their home or office.
  6. A personalized piece of clothing or accessory, such as a sweater or hat.
  7. A memory jar filled with little notes and trinkets that represent special moments in your relationship.
  8. A homemade spa day package including homemade scrubs, bath bombs, candles and more

These Valentine’s Day gifts on a budget won’t break the bank and will show your significant other how much you care about them.

Make a Cute DIY Valentine’s Day Card

It feels like we used to be able to go into a store and buy a Valentine’s Day card for $2. Now, some Valentine’s Day cards are $10! If you already have craft supplies at home, or have generic stationary, make your own Valentine’s Day card and save money.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day on a Different Day

Who says you have to celebrate Valentine’s Day on the actual day? If you have a trip coming up, call one of the nights out a belated Valentine’s Day celebration. Go out to eat or do an activity locally on a different day to avoid peak prices on Valentine’s Day. Many restaurants have fixed price menus for Valentine’s Day that tend to be more expensive than other days.

Shop Around for The Best Deals

Even though Valentine’s Day tends to be more expensive, there are still deals to be found. For example, Lou Malnati’s sells heart shape deep dish pizzas on Valentine’s Day. This is a cheaper dinner comparatively yet still special and delicious. Local bakeries sell cute heart shaped desserts. Remember, it’s the thought that counts. The gift doesn’t have to be expensive.

Ultimately, Valentine’s Day is a day of love. You can celebrate it by doing something special for your loved one. It doesn’t have to be something expensive, it can be something you both can enjoy and make a great memories together.

 cute homemade valentine's day gifts, diy valentines  gifts, valentines day ideas, diy valentines day cards

Categories // Smart Spending Tags // Holidays, Saving Money Tips

10 Ways to Save On Cheap Halloween Costumes For Kids

09.29.2022 by admin // Leave a Comment

cheap halloween costume tips, save money on kids halloween costumes

Halloween is coming up soon and after not being able to celebrate properly the last few years we’re all excited to get dressed up again. Like everything else, prices are up and cheap Halloween costumes aren’t as easy to find anymore. But, a great Halloween costume doesn’t have to cost money. It’s easy to overspend and spend beyond your means, especially with prices up and multiple Halloween parties. Here are 10 cheap Halloween costume tips for kids to help you save money this year.

Plan and Create a Budget for Halloween Costumes

First, start by planning. Planning helps avoid impulse buys, and also avoids multiple trips. What’s your budget? Halloween costumes can add up quickly, some even run up to $100! Do you need to buy multiple costumes? Kids get invited to a lot of Halloween parties and buying one costume verse buying one costume for every party will save money. Do you need accessories to add on to the costume? Do you and your partner need to match your child? Rewearing your old costumes instead of having matching family costumes will save money too. Planning and setting a budget will ensure you don’t over spend.

Use Coupons And Look For Deals When You Buy Your Halloween Costume

When you’re looking to buy a Halloween costume look for in store promotion or leverage promotions you’ve used in the past. For example, Target usually has a discount on Target gift cards around the holidays. You can buy a gift card for yourself, and then use the gift card later to buy a Halloween costume.

DIY Halloween Costume

The easiest way to save money on kids Halloween costumes is to make their Halloween costume. Look at Pinterest for inspiration on different DIY kids Halloween costumes or search a particular costume you want to make yourself. Pinterest has a lot of great ideas for kids Halloween costumes.

Shop Outside Of The Halloween Aisle

Not crafty? Look for a cheap Halloween costume in another isle. For example, Old Navy has kids skeleton pajamas. A cat costume can be made wearing all black and buying cat ears headband. Sometimes toy isles also have dress up clothes that can double as costumes. A Disney princess dress up in the toy isle may be cheaper than a Disney princess Halloween costume in the Halloween isle.

Buy Pre-Owned Halloween Costumes

Buying pre-owned Halloween costumes will help you save money. Sometimes you’ll even be able to find the Halloween costume you want for over a 50% discount.

You can look for pre-owned Halloween costumes on Poshmark, at thrift stores and local consignment shops. Costumes may also be listed on sites like Facebook Marketplace, Offer Up and Craigs List.

Join a Buy Nothing Group

Does your community have a buy nothing group on Facebook? Ask on that forum if anyone has Halloween costumes they are giving away. You may be surprised and get your kid a Halloween costume for free!

Swap Costumes With Another Family

Does your child insist on wearing different costumes to different parties? Swap costumes with friends so you only have to buy one costume.

Buy Your Halloween Costume For Next Year Right After Halloween

Stores are looking to get rid of any left over inventory right after Halloween has passed. Some Halloween stores are pop-up only and really need to get rid of all of their inventory. The selection is smaller, but you’re able to find some of the best discounts for new Halloween costumes right after the holiday has passed.

Buy Your Halloween Costume Early

The cheapest versions of a costume are likely to be sold out the quickest. If you’re really set on a costume idea, buy it early. Otherwise, it may sell out and only the more expensive options will be available.

Sell Your Halloween Costumes Quickly

Kids are invited to a ton of Halloween parties. If you have a party before Halloween and your kid has a different costume planned for Halloween list the first costume for sale quickly on a resale site. If it’s a popular Halloween costume that’s sold out, you may even be able to sell it for more than you bought it for.

Cheap Halloween Costumes for Kids

Categories // Smart Spending Tags // Holidays

Simple Ways to Save Money During the Holidays

12.07.2020 by admin // Leave a Comment

simple ways to save money during the holidays, simple ways to save money for Christmas

In 2022, it is harder to save money during the holidays. Inflation is up, holiday parties are returning and we’re seeing friends and family again. The money we haven’t spent traveling and hosting friends and family the last few years has returned. At the same time, it has never been more expensive to host. Below are simple ways to save money during the holidays this year and years to come.

Keep a List of Everything You Need to Buy And Watch For Sales

Start off the holiday season by creating a list of everything you need or want to buy. This includes gifts for people, items you need to celebrate the holidays around your house and things you and your family need in general. For gifts, don’t forget about teachers, doormen and other people that have helped you throughout the year. There are a ton of great deals around the holidays not just for gifts but also for household items and even things you use daily like hair and skin products. Be smart with your spending and take advantage of better prices for things you need.

If money is tight, set a limit for how much you can spend and don’t go over that amount. If you can afford to spend a little extra don’t hold yourself to a strict limit. That way, if you see something that’s normally $100 for $50 that you won’t need until the Spring you can buy it now instead of spending $100 later. Sticking to your list will help limit unnecessary purchases and help you save money.

Buy Gift Card Deals

During Black Friday, Cyber Monday and the weeks leading up to Christmas many places both large and small offer discounts on gift cards. A local restaurant group offers additional $25 gift cards for every $100 you buy. Target typically offers10% off gift cards one weekend up to $400 in 2019 and $500 the last few years.

This is a great way to save on gifts as well your normal purchases. If you visit these restaurants and stores throughout the year buy the gift cards and save money throughout the year as you redeem them. If this pushes you a little over your budget but you have the cash to do so don’t feel guilty about spending money. You’re helping give cash to local businesses that need it most and the money you spend now is ultimately saving you money next year.

Celebrate the Holidays Via Zoom

Travel is expensive, and you shouldn’t be guilted into spending a ton of money to celebrate the holidays in person. You can always celebrate the holidays via Zoom and see friends and family at a different time when travel is cheaper.

Celebrate The Holidays on Another Day

Traveling during holidays, especially when it involves a plane, is expensive. Sure, we’d all prefer to celebrate the holiday on the actual day but can you celebrate a few days or a week later? Being flexible with the family gathering can save you hundreds of dollars on flights. It also saves you time waiting in airport security lines and traffic.

We’ve learned the last few years that it’s fine to celebrate the holiday on another day with friends and family. There is no reason we can’t continue that this year.

Buy Decorations Post Holiday Or During a Sale

The best time to buy holiday decorations is always immediately after the holiday has passed. You can score great deals on Thanksgiving decorations and Christmas decorations using these tips.

Savings aren’t just limited to household Thanksgiving, Christmas or Hanukkah decorations either. You can also save money on holiday cards immediately after the holiday and gift wrapping. If someone gives you a gift in a gift bag, save it and reuse it.

Have Someone Else Host the Holiday

Hosting a holiday gathering is expensive. It used to cost an average of $31 / person to host Thanksgiving and now it’s even more! To drive down costs, limit the number of people you invite or take people up on their offer when they ask what they can bring. Save more money hosting Thanksgiving by taking these small steps.

Save Money Attending Holiday Parties

Getting invited to a holiday party sounds like a free meal. It can be a cheap night out! But, be careful of the other expenses. Expenses can add up and it may make sense to skip some of the holiday parties you’re invited to.

When you’re attending a company holiday party what are you wearing? Are you doing your own hair and makeup? How are you getting to and from the party? Are you meeting up with anyone else before or after? If you’re attending the party, wearing clothes you already own and driving yourself it will be pretty cheap to attend. As you add new clothes, Ubers, etc the costs will add up pretty quickly.

When you’re attending a family or friends holiday party some of the same expenses can creep in. New clothes, hair, makeup, Ubers, etc. In addition, gifts for the host. If you’re invited to a lot of holiday parties around the same time you can plan and take advantage of buying in bulk. For example, making a big batch of Christmas cookies and bringing a platter of cookies to each party. Some liquor stores have discounts if you buy 6 or more bottles of wine at a time.

If you notice no matter what you can’t cut your spending down enough, look for ways to earn more money fast with these simple tips. What are simple ways you’re saving money during the holidays?

Categories // Smart Spending Tags // Holidays

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • Next Page »

Search Blog Posts

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Recent Posts

  • Advice for 2023 Grads From a Millennial That Graduated in 2010 May 26, 2023
  • How To Identify Your Financial Blind Spots April 26, 2023
  • How to Save Money Traveling to Europe in 2023 April 18, 2023
  • Turning Tight Finances Around: How Long-Term Investments Can Generate Cash April 11, 2023
  • Unlock Your Coding Potential: Where You Can Learn How To Code March 21, 2023

Follow Us

  • Twitter
  • Pinterest

Copyright © 2023 · Modern Studio Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in