How to Cut Your Valentine's Day Bill in Half

Valentine's Day usually is a big day for many companies. Think of flower businesses, who sell roses like mad the week before and the week of Valentine's Day. Jewelry companies do well also, selling necklaces and even diamond rings to guys in love. UPS and Federal Express cash in, when boxes of chocolate are sent to loved ones in the mail.

This year, many guys won't have as much spare cash to indulge their sweethearts like they have done in the past. With cash tight, it will be harder to do something that really says "I Love You." So what's a guy to do? Here are some ways to cut the Valentine bill without your girl knowing, or just to save money in general.

1. Businesses know you don't have as much free money. What this means is that you'll find special discounts that wouldn't have been offered in years past. Instead of $60 for a dozen roses and vase delivered, you'll now find specials like $40 for the same package. You can look on the internet website of each company to find these specials. You may also hear radio ads or see ads in the local newspaper.

2. Package deals. To get more of your business, many companies will offer packages, such as roses and chocolates or chocolates with a purchase of a necklace. These package deals will save you money off the price of purchasing things separately. If you don't see a package deal listed in the pricing, call the company or make a visit, and ask if you can get a package deal.

3. Free shipping. Some companies will offer free shipping, so that you'll choose them to buy your roses or chocolates. If the company isn't offering free shipping, ask them directly if they can waive the shipping fees in return for your purchase. Remember, companies are hurting too financially and need your business.

4. Call your credit card company and ask for a month without finance charges for Valentine's Day. Explain to them that you really want to treat your Valentine, but that you can't afford the finance charges you will incur as a result. This is not guaranteed, but it can't hurt to try. Or, maybe you can get a cash advance that will be free of finance charges for a few months. This way, you can still have money to treat her on Valentine's Day. Just be careful not to borrow so much you can't pay it back.

5. Look for special restaurant savings or coupons, and choose that restaurant for your Valentine's Day meal. Local newspapers may have coupons for restaurants, or you may receive something in the mail from the restaurant with a coupon on it. Otherwise, visit the website of each restaurant to see if there are any Valentine's Day specials.

6. Skip the dessert at the restaurant. Dessserts can run up to $10 a piece. Instead, bake her a cake for about $5 and save $15. Then, the two of you can enjoy eating it at home in front of the fireplace. This could be much more enjoyable anyway.

7. Find another way to cut costs during February. Turn off all your lights as you leave rooms, turn back your heat, and get rid of HBO for awhile on your television. You could save enough in one month to buy your Valentine a really nice gift.

8. Eat in. What this means is that you fix the meal yourself instead of going to a restaurant. Put one single rose in a vase on the table, and fix her favorite meal. You'll save at least half of what you would have spent at the restaurant, and you'll get extra points for the added romance value.