Be A Financially Savvy Latina This Valentines Day By: Nicole Moreno-Deinzer

It shouldn’t cost you anything to be in love. Nevertheless, Valentine’s Day spending will reach $25.9 billion this year. National Retail Federation reports it will be the most expensive year on record.

Furthermore, Americans will spend – on average – a total of $192.80. This money will go not only towards gifts for romantic partners but for friends, classmates, and coworkers. Most people use credit cards to purchase these gifts unless they’re gifted budgeters. Annual percentage rates for credit cards are at an all-time high right now, and you don’t want to add more debt to those cards.

I’m sorry, but if we t aren’t romantically involved, you’re simply getting a “Happy Valentine’s Day” text.

Consider celebrating your Latina heritage instead of spending money on your partner, friends, children’s teachers, or classmates. Here are three ways you can save money this Valentine’s Day:

Grab a coffee from a Latina-owned coffee shop for your child’s teacher:

Find a local Latina-owned coffee shop, and pick up a caffeinated treat. Los Angeles residents can find a list of Latina-owned coffee shops here.

Buy a card reading for a friend:

We’re seeing more spiritual guides nowadays. A Latina spiritual guide can provide you with a Tarot card or life reading. Some call themselves brujas. Gisel Martin from Glowing Corazón is available for readings.

Have a picnic with some of your favorite Latin foods:

You can buy the to-go meals you love from your favorite Latin restaurants; they don’t have to be fancy. You can embellish your to-go bag with red and pink decorations and then enjoy your delicious meal at your favorite park or in your living room.

Remember, there are multiple ways for an economically minded Latina to say “I love you,” “I appreciate you,” and “I care about you.” You don’t have to feel pressured to go into unnecessary debt, especially during a period of inflation. Don’t stress yourself out! This is the time to spend wisely and celebrate everything that makes you a financially savvy, badass Latina.