Don’t let debt be your valentine

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VALENTINE’S Day is within reach and many South Africans have mixed feelings about this ‘holiday’.

Some people love it and others hate it. You either shower your loved ones with affection and gifts, or have come to the realisation that consumerism has all but smothered the real meaning of ‘Valentine’s’ and the act of love.

Think about it. The most sincere point of the known legend’s origin has to be the signed card: “From Your Valentine”.

What happened to simple gestures that really matter (and do not break the bank)?

Do away with just another Hollywood blockbuster initiative. Consumers need to be reminded of what love is all about.

Wikus Olivier, debt management expert at DebtSafe, encourages South Africans to embrace Valentine’s Day for the right reasons, and within an affordable budget.

Olivier says overspending is not worth paying the price of growing your debt pile.

Here are a few tips for keeping Valentine’s Day affordable and avoiding the marketing gimmick:

1. Valentine’s Day starts and ends at home

Why not kick-start your day by surprising your loved one with an affordable, self-made breakfast? Visit Pick n Pay or Food Network UK for ideas. To cut back on dinner costs, you can also plan out affordable dishes that you and your partner can make together. Visit Food Network for easy do-it-together ideas.

2. Check out restaurant deals

If you have saved some cash for an evening celebration, do your homework before taking a night on the town. Remember you don’t have to eat a three-course meal at a restaurant. How about dessert only? Visit EatOut, Food Blog Durban, Restaurants.co.za (Gauteng), Food Blog Cape Town and Restaurants.co.za (Western Cape) for options.

3. Avoid store-bought chocolates

Buying candy and chocolates can be very expensive, especially if you did not include it in February’s budget. What about making your own muffins or cookies. If you have basic baking ingredients (milk, butter, sugar, flour, baking soda, vanilla essence, a pinch of salt and eggs) in your kitchen, why not give your own baking a try?

4. Roses are red, and the price tags too

Olivier says the demand, supply, increased transportation costs as well as additional labour costs are some of the reasons behind the price hike on roses in February. An alternative to buying flowers can be a handmade bouquet from your own garden. It makes the gift much more personal and special.

5. Be creative and make your own cards

So you want to express your love with words on paper? Get some creativity going and make your own cards with items you have in your stationery drawer. Cards can cost up to R50, so rather be a super-saver than an over-spender.

6. There is nothing like proper ‘quality time’

It is time for consumers to go back to the core of what love is really about and how to show it. And that is spending quality time with your special someone. There is nothing better than just being together. Ideas are endless: watch a movie in your own lounge, have a picnic outside or enjoy playing your favourite board games.

Valentine’s Day is indeed special and valuable for some people. But there is no need for it to be overly expensive, since love, not debt, conquers all.

Remember: Don’t ‘consumerise’. Rather be penny-wise this Valentine’s Day. Showing affection to your loved one does not need to put you in an over-indebted situation. However, if you currently do find yourself in a very tight spot and you do not know who to turn to, get in contact with DebtSafe and let their advisors assist you.

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