After surviving Valentine’s Day now is a great time to talk about love and money especially if you spent more than you should have on February 14th.  In 2015, Valentine’s Day spending reached $19 billion, a new record for the United States, with the average person celebrating the occasion spending more than $150. I wonder what the 2016 statistics will look like.

If you’re financially distressed, no holiday or special occasion should compel you to spend. Spending just puts you and your partner at higher risk. Instead, work to get your financial affairs in order. Tell the truth if you want your romantic relationship to develop and thrive! With that said; there are a few things we’d like to clarify about love.

Love is being honest.
Financial honesty is the key to a relationship. Financial infidelity, hiding your true financial picture, is one of the top reasons relationships dissolve. Pretending you can spend big when it’s not in the budget doesn’t bode well for the future of the relationship. It’s always best to be honest and straightforward about your financial situation.

Love is spending what you can afford.
Overspending, especially when it affects both partners, isn’t really generous after all, is it? Stick within your means so there’s enough room to breathe!

Love is giving something truly meaningful.
Can you remember what you received last Valentine’s Day? Giving a gift just to give a gift is a waste of money and is completely forgettable. Show your partner you’re financially reliable! That’s a gift so many people wish for, but don’t receive.

Love is dealing with financial realities head-on. 
If you can still see the light from the bottom of the hole, don’t dig deeper! If you live as if there are no money problems when there are, you’re not doing yourself or your partner any favors by ignoring the realities.

Love is making financial decisions with your brain, not your heart.
Sure, it feels great to spend and gives the spender an emotional high. Later, it often leads to buyer’s remorse and guilt. Try to plan your spending by promising yourself you’ll wait a few days before you make any major spending decisions.