Hello again, savvy savers! Happy valentine’s Day! I hope everyone has had an awesome, fun-filled, budget-friendly love fest today! And if you didn’t, then I hope your day was spent taking time to nourish, pamper, and enrich the most important person in your life, yourself! So, today I challenged you all to consider ways to participate in today’s festivities, No-Spend Style!
Did you know that the average American will spend nearly $150.00, per person today? Well, not those of us, huh? The beauty of a No-Spend Month Challenge, is that we all have the ability to plan incredible holiday events without depleting out bank accounts in the process, and today was no exception! I am really excited to say that my husband Daniel and I had an awesome day!
Here’s what we were able to do:
- I started today’s holiday last evening, when I changed my bed linens to a more romantic theme, which turned out well in my opinion.
- We started this morning with a free breakfast. I surprised my husband with Chick-fil-a Minis, paid for using a free card I received from Chick-fil-A Mom’s Group, the cards from my yearly Chick-Fil-A Calendar, as well as this months promotional free iced lattes!
- From there, I whisked my husband away to a free tour of our local Folk Art Museum, which we both loved!
- We then headed to Winn-Dixie. Using free promotional coupons I received in the mail and squirreled away, I was able to “buy” my husband some awesome freebie snacks, including World Peas, Snicker bars, 5 free 12-packs of Coca-Cola from My Coke Rewards,, and while in-store, scored free cups of coffee and two free carnations for myself!
- We then headed to a local Day Spa, where using a free 15-minute chair massage coupon I received from my Secret Santa at work, treated my husband to a chair massage!
- Next, we headed out to our local Sam’s Club. We both participated in today’s Free In-Club Health Screenings, and then had lunch, by way of 32 free, in-club samples! While at Sam’s, I picked up two boxes of chocolate truffles I previously ordered at customer service this week; I paid for the truffles using my Walmart Gift Card, funded from rebate money earned using the Walmart Savings Catcher. We also used what was left on the card to finish filling up our gas tank, too. I surprised my husband with the truffles and the free Valentine’s Day card I scored online last month, tucked away in my purse; I placed the gifts in the driver’s seat of our car while he pumped gas for us. Always the gentleman, that one!
- Following this, my husband and I went to out local historical theater, and caught a free afternoon matinee of Casablanca!
- Time for dinner! This evening, I treated my husband to a free dinner at Chili’s. I used a free gift card won on Crowdtap, and scored free salsa and chips from Chili’s Email Club! I used a free gift card from P&G from summer 2014 to pay for tax and tip!
- On the way home, we stopped by CVS to scoop up a Ben & Jerry’s Mini Cup, free after rebate this week from Saving Star, and paid for my purchase using ExtraCare Bucks!
- While outside CVS, we also scored two free Redbox Kiosque rentals using free text codes.
- Once home, my husband fired up our patio fire pit, using several of my DIY Pine Cone Fire Starters, and we watched the sunset together!
- We are going to finish the evening with a few fun films, Ben & Jerry’s Cherry Garcia, and each other’s company!
So today we experienced a fun, full day of quality time together, and so I feel my challenge was a resounding success! We both made the most of your Valentine’s Day, without having to spend a dime!
The retail cost of today’s events: $208.34
What I paid: $0.00!
As well yesterday I was also able to accomplish:
- As part of my #Choose30 Daily Challenge, I woke up at 7:25, walked my fur babies, showered, & dressed to my shoes. (Thanks, Flylady!)
- Worked on my daily Motivated Moms Planner, before heading out this morning.
- Read my daily devotional.
Yesterday I saved:
- I planned a free Valentine’s Day with my husband.
- I also did not watch cable tv, and saved $3.68 by doing so.
Total amount I saved my family: $212.02
This months savings goal remaining: $132.84
Here’s to saving,
Challenge Links:
- The 31 Day No Spend Month Challenge!
- February No Spend Month Challenge: Day 1 (Commitment & Pantry Organization)
- February No Spend Month Challenge: Day 1 Recap
- February No Spend Month Challenge: Day 2 (Menu Ideas)
- February No-Spend Month Challenge: Day 2 Recap
- February No-Spend Challenge: Day 3 (Dine Out At Home)
- February No-Spend Month Challenge: Day 3 Recap
- February No-Spend Month Challenge: Day 4 (#Choose30 Challenge)
- February No-Spend Month Challenge: Day 4 Recap
- February No-Spend Month Challenge: Day 5 (Coupon Swap)
- February No-Spend Month Challenge: Day 5 Recap
- February No-Spend Month Challenge: Day 6 (Rain-Check Shopping)
- February No-Spend Month Challenge: Day 6 Recap
- February No-Spend Month Challenge: Day 7 (How To Save On Your Utility Bills)
- February No-Spend Month Challenge: Day 8 (Preparing For Cleaning Week)
- February No-Spend Month Challenge: Day 8 Recap
- February No-Spend Month Challenge: Day 9 (Establishing Cleaning Routines & Decluttering Zones)
- February No-Spend Month Challenge: Day 9 Recap
- February No-Spend Month Challenge: Day 10 (Bathroom & Linen Closet Organization)
- February No-Spend Month Challenge: Day 10 Recap
- February No-Spend Month Challenge: Day 11 (Clean Off Your Counter-tops)
- February No Spend Month Challenge: Day 11 Recap
- February No Spend Month Challenge: Day 12 (Clean Out Your Closet)
- February No Spend Month Challenge: Day 12 Recap
- February No Spend Month Challenge: Day 13 (Home Office & Craft Room Organization)
- February No Spend Month Challenge: Day 13 Recap & Day 14 Challenge (No-Spend Valentine’s Day Ideas)