It’s meant to be the most romantic day of the year — but if you’re not careful, overspending on your Valentine can have devastating effects on your bank account.
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As someone who regularly advises clients on major financial decisions, Jessica Wright, owner of Cash For Houses Tennessee, has witnessed how special occasions like Valentine’s Day can impact couples’ financial stability. “Through my decade of experience helping couples navigate property investments, I’ve seen how emotional spending can affect long-term financial goals.”
Elizabeth Husserl, finance expert, co-founder of Peak360 and author of The Power of Enough, also noted that finances can strain Valentine’s Day for couples when expectations around spending aren’t aligned, leading to feelings of disappointment, resentment or guilt.
“One partner may feel pressured to overspend to prove their love, while the other might feel anxious about financial strain, creating unnecessary tension in the relationship,” she explained.
Below are some ways experts say this special day can end up ruining your finances as a couple — and how to keep that from happening.
It Can Heavily Affect Your Credit
“I see Valentine’s Day overspending show up in mortgage applications months later,” said Wright.
She said many couples put hundreds or thousands on credit cards for this one day, not realizing how it affects their debt-to-income ratio when applying for home loans.
“Last month, I worked with a young couple who had to postpone their home purchase because their Valentine’s celebration from the previous year was still sitting on their credit card, pushing their ratios above the qualifying threshold,” she explained.
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Grand Gestures Lead to Regrettable Financial Decisions
According to Wright, social media creates unrealistic pressure that drive financial strain. “I recently counseled clients who felt compelled to book an expensive weekend getaway to match their friends’ Valentine’s celebrations, even though they were saving for a down payment.”
This pressure to compete through grand gestures, she explained, often leads to regrettable financial decisions that can take months to recover from.
It Reinforces Unhealthy Money Dynamics
According to Husserl, when love becomes measured by the price tag of a gift rather than the depth of connection, it can reinforce unhealthy money dynamics — such as avoidance, comparison or even shame.
“Instead of fostering intimacy, financial stress around Valentine’s Day can lead to arguments, unmet expectations and a lingering sense of imbalance in the relationship,” she explained.
She said that by having open, honest conversations about what truly matters and setting shared financial boundaries, couples can avoid these pitfalls and focus on celebrating their relationships in a way that feels fulfilling rather than financially burdensome.
How To Prevent Negative Effects
Fostering a healthy money relationship doesn’t mean you have to neglect your romantic relationship. Here’s how to make the most of Valentine’s Day without harming your finances.
Avoid Flashy Celebrations and Put Money Toward Shared Goals
“My experience shows that relationship satisfaction doesn’t correlate with Valentine’s spending,” said Wright. “Several of my most successful client couples skip the expensive celebrations entirely. Instead, they put that money toward shared goals like home renovations or investment properties.”
One couple she works with takes their “Valentine’s budget” each year and adds it to their real estate investment fund. “They’ve now built up a significant portfolio while strengthening their relationship through shared financial purpose.”
If you still want to celebrate Valentine’s Day together, look into free activities instead of spending on pricey gifts and outings.
Set a Strict Valentine’s Budget
Experts note that smart couples can celebrate meaningfully without compromising their finances.
Wright recommended setting a strict Valentine’s budget in January, looking for creative, low-cost alternatives like cooking together, and focusing on shared experiences that build toward future goals.
“My husband and I personally celebrate by working on our home improvement projects together — it’s become our tradition that adds value to our property while creating lasting memories,” she said.
Focus On Expressions of Love That Bring the Most Fulfillment
Instead of unconsciously spending this Valentine’s season, Husserl said to ask: What expressions of love bring the most fulfillment?
“A handwritten letter, a day spent together, a vulnerable share or an experience aligned with shared values can carry far more significance than an expensive dinner or gift,” she explained. “By recognizing that wealth extends beyond money, couples can approach Valentine’s Day — and finances in general — with intentionality, reducing stress while deepening their connection in ways that truly matter.”
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: How Valentine’s Day Can Ruin Your Finances as a Couple (And How To Keep That From Happening)
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