How to celebrate Valentine’s Day without breaking the bank

With many couples and single people preparing to express their love in grand or subtle gestures on Valentine’s Day, it’s important to remember the value of spending your money wisely.

Experts have warned that people tend to overspend on February 14, which could be a source of tension in relationships, while romance scammers will also be on the prey.

While those in love might be tempted by the allure of extravagant gifts, lavish dinners or expensive holidays, some couples are choosing to celebrate their love in ways that focus more on connection than cost.

Here is how locals in Pretoria will spend their day:

Charlize Berg and her husband, Warren Linen, from Hennopspark in Centurion, believe that Valentine’s Day should not be about materialism but rather about cherishing the things that truly matter.

“We believe the greatest gift of all is life, health and having each other,” Berg shared.

For the couple, spending time together and prioritising their relationship is what makes the day special.

“Valentine’s Day is just about amping that up a notch and reminding ourselves that love is all we need,” she added.

Berg also highlighted the financial pressures that can arise in relationships, especially when social media influences couples to showcase expensive gifts or experiences.

“It’s very easy to lose yourself within that world and that type of perception that can sometimes be very large or very unattainable.”

She emphasised the importance of focusing on the basics, including supporting one another, communicating, and valuing health and love over material possessions.

“It’s special, but it doesn’t need to put stress on anyone. I sometimes feel that some couples feel the need to express themselves through elaborate gifts, but finances should never become your main focus.”

For Rene Tredoux and her husband Johann from Eldoraigne, the day will be marked by a candlelit braai in their backyard, which is a simple yet meaningful way to spend time together.

“We believe every day is Valentine’s Day, and we do special things for each other throughout the year,” Tredoux said.

When it comes to gifting, she believes it’s the thought that counts, often opting for small gestures or a quiet dinner.

Like Berg, Tredoux noted the importance of financial harmony in a relationship.

“It’s very important to discuss financial decisions in a relationship,” she said.

“My husband and I have a joint account, and we trust each other with the finances in our house.”

For the Tredouxs, frequent communication about money is fundamental to maintaining their strong bond.

“If you don’t work together, you won’t stand together,” Rene explained.

She added that trust and teamwork are key to building a healthy financial foundation.

Experts have encouraged lovers and those in the quest for love to be mindful when spending to foster healthy financial habits while also staying vigilant.

Debt advisor Sebastien Alexanderson warned that money remains one of the biggest sources of tension in relationships.

“With nearly one in five relationships ending due to financial disagreements, it’s clear that how couples navigate their finances can have a lasting impact.”

Alexanderson also highlighted the dangers of overspending in the name of love, particularly among young adults.

“Alarmingly, some individuals have turned to loan sharks or borrowed money to fund their dating lives, which is a risky move that can lead to deeper debt and strain relationships.

“The most important thing is to be on the same page about your financial future,” he said.

But while couples consider how to manage their finances, singles searching for love face a different challenge of falling victim to scams.

Clinical psychologist Dr Khosi Jiyane warned that scammers were increasingly adapting their tactics to exploit the vulnerable, especially in the digital age.

“Scammers are master manipulators. They exploit universal traits of human psychology to achieve their goals,” she said.

Jiyane noted that one common vulnerability is optimism bias, the belief that “it won’t happen to me”.

She said this mindset creates a false sense of security, making even tech-savvy individuals susceptible to scams.

“This is why people may dismiss suspicious emails or offers, thinking they’re too savvy to fall for scams, only to later realise they’ve been duped,” she said.

Jiyane encouraged everyone to develop healthy scepticism and mindfulness.

Top tips for staying safe and avoiding scams:

– Pause and verify: Before clicking on links or providing personal information, take a moment to verify the source.

– Challenge optimism bias: Remind yourself that no one is immune to scams. Even tech-savvy individuals can fall victim.

– Double-check familiar sources: A friend’s social media account or a company’s email could be compromised. Always confirm authenticity.

– Stay informed: Learn about common scam tactics, especially those involving technology.

– Be proactive: Watch resources like the Circle of Safety series on YouTube to build awareness and safeguard yourself against cybercrime.

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