Love it or hate it – V-day is coming up again this week. If you’re in a relationship than you might be expecting the traditional flowers, chocolates, and jewellery like earrings and necklaces. Whilst it might be a rite of passage sometimes it can feel like a waste of money. That is, unless your lady really likes these simple gifts. Especially as you can personalize them these days, in particular jewellery. Rather than picking a random piece of jewellery, if you were to customize it like a name necklace, or a Namensketten personalisiert as it is known in Germany, then your partner would know it was unique and that there was thought behind it. It doesn’t always work this way though and there are still many ladies out there who are tired of the stereotypical Valentines gifts. If you are lucky enough to have one of these women in your life, then carry on reading to see what else you can do to show her you care.

Wouldn’t it be better if you could use the money spent on these generic gifts on something that might make both you and your partner really happy?

This Valentine’s Day, Emilie Bellet, Founder of Vestpod challenges everyone to spend their money on something their loved one will really benefit from. Here are a few of her ideas on what to spend your money on this V Day:

1. Open a savings account for a specific goal like a holiday and set up a direct debit to save up
   Instead of spending money on gifts that don’t really matter, why not set up a joint savings account so that you can save towards a shared goal? This could be a once in the lifetime holiday, your first home or even for a wedding, you decide! You can then each set up a small direct debit and watch your savings grow until you reach that goal.
2. Contribute to your partner’s pension
   It might not seem very romantic but putting some money into your partner’s pension shows that you care about their long-term financial health. Whilst small tokens can be nice in the moment, this gift will keep on giving as compound interest means the pension pot will keep growing until they need it.
3. Make a small loan to an entrepreneur on their behalf
   Through Kiva you can make a small loan – think £20- to a small entrepreneur around the world, not only helping someone start up their own business but once the loan is repaid your partner will get the money back. What’s more you can choose who to loan the money too and pick it based on your partner’s own interests whether that’s the arts, education or the environment.
4. Or make a donation to a charity
   If your partner is particularly supportive of a cause or charitable project why not give a donation to it on their behalf. They will see that you care about their interests and know that your support is helping a cause they feel passionate about.
5. If you have children, contribute to their JISA instead
   Whilst sometimes it’s nice to treat yourselves, on Valentine’s Day giving the money you both might have spent on gifts to your children instead can be a nice way to provide for their futures. Putting it into a junior ISA will make sure that it’s working as hard as you are as a parent!
6. Help them empower themselves financially
   Getting on top of your finances is often something that we put off, so this Valentine’s Day why not make plans to sit down together and talk money. Whilst not the most romantic thing to do taking time to sort out your money will help you both reap rewards in the future. Workshops like those held by Vestpod help individuals feel empowered about their finances and learn good money management.
7. Don’t forget to treat them
   These ideas are all well and good but just remember it is Valentine’s day and you should get them a little extra something that they can cherish, it is meant to be romantic after all! Why not design your own tapestry with a picture of the two of you or maybe a picture of your favourite date location so you can always look at it and smile. And remember, a box of chocolates always goes a long way as will some jewellery! Especially if you take an extra bit of time to have it customised as you can do with these Personalized Engraved Bar Necklaces. With just a couple of small gifts, they’ll at least have something to open on the day.

All of these suggestions are sure to go down a treat with your significant other as they show you really care. It’s important to give gifts that last and make a real impact, so securing your financial future together, whilst it might not be the height of romance, can ensure you live happily ever after, after all. With a bit of chocolate too…