1. Stay Home, But Make It Special

Millions of love birds will go out to dinner to celebrate Valentine's Day, but with crowded restaurants, long waits and inflated bills staying home may seem more attractive. A new Zagat survey found that Valentine's Day diners plan to shell out $147 on their hard-to-get table for two, compared to the $43.46 tab on an average night. Anna Platz of goodcentssavings.com suggests making a meal at home extra romantic.

"Even if you splurge on some extra special ingredients or a nice bottle of wine you're still likely to spend only a fraction of what you'd pay at a restaurant," she says. "Enjoy the process of cooking together and linger over a leisurely candlelit meal. If you have children serve them early and then enjoy an adults only meal after the kids are in bed or are watching a movie."

2. Try Handmade Greeting Cards

Some argue that Valentine's Day is a holiday created by greeting card companies looking to boost profits. And they definitely benefit. The NRF says we'll spend $1.1 billion on greeting cards this year, making them the most popular gift option. Rather than pacing the grocery store card aisle, try tapping into your creative side by making your loved one a handmade greeting card. Find inspiration at TLC.com where you'll find step-by-step instructions for creating a Stained Glass Heart card and other cool designs.

3. Be Understated with Flowers and Candy

Chances are you'll score just as many points with your significant other whether you give them one beautiful rose or an entire dozen. "A single rose can be as meaningful as several dozen and a tiny box of chocolates gives just a few delicious bites, rather than a diet busting binge waiting to happen," says Platz. Studies show spending on flowers will reach $1.7 billion. Candy won't be far behind with $1.5 billion in Valentine's Day sales.

4. Pull Out Your AAA Card

You may think of it only as a resource when you have car trouble, but your AAA card can also help you save money on Valentine's Day purchases. According to company officials, last year AAA's 52 million members saved nearly $2 billion on hotels, jewelry, books, clothing and more, simply by using their membership cards.

"Most members are aware of the discounts available for planning a romantic getaway, but we are committed to providing additional benefits and discounts for AAA members on everyday expenses including gift giving for loved ones," said Gail Acebes, director, AAA Partnership Programs in a news release. Sample savings include 20 percent off your purchase at 1-800Flowers, 10 percent of fine jewelry at Blue Nile and 20 percent off FTD floral arrangements.

5. Break the Mold

Chocolates wrapped in red cellophane, a dozen red roses, heart-shaped pendents—they're all pretty predictable routes to take on Valentine's Day. And because of their popularity, there is a good chance you'll pay more for them this time of year. If you want to be romantic and frugal, try breaking the mold. Instead of chocolates, perhaps your sweetheart would like fresh fruit. Rather than overpay for red roses, give your loved one a plant that won't wither away. And instead of jewelry, try a hand-written letter from the heart. Love it or hate it, Valentine's Day is about showing your loved ones you care. But you don't have to spend a fortune to do that.

Featured Image Credit, Image 1 Credit, Image 2 Credit

Food and Candy

With this deal from Restaurant.com, you'll be able to spring for an extra special meal. Now through the end of February 9, you can get $25 worth of gift certificates for just $4! Just use coupon code DATENIGHT for the discount.

If you're not planning on spending a lot on chocolate, See's Candies has lots of treats for the occasion. Check out gifts under $10, or take a look at their other Valentine's gifts at a variety of prices. At just $6.35, the 4 oz. Assorted Chocolate Heart is a gift that won't stretch your budget or waistline. They're also offering to upgrade shipping for free if you order by 10 AM PST on February 10.

Thinking outside the box of chocolates? Use this link to activate a discount of 15% off orders of $29 or more at Cherry Moon Farms. They have lots of delectable treats like cake pops, chocolate covered strawberries, cupcakes, pretzel rods - and even fruit baskets if your Valentine is on a diet. Offer is good through February 13.

Jewelry

Thinking of popping the question this February 14th? Ross-Simons has a great selection of engagement rings, as well as costume, gemstone, diamonds, and even estate jewelry. Now through February 12, you can get 30% off your order with coupon code CUPID. This offer excludes some items, so make sure to read the fine print on your pick. Plus, orders of $250 or more ship for free.

Any woman would be pleased to get a gift from Tiffany & Co.. Now through 12 PM EST on February 13, they're offering free shipping on all orders and they'll arrive for Valentine's Day. Plus, if you need to clue your honey in about what you'd like, you can click the "Drop a Hint" button to send them an e-card reminder. You might associate Tiffany with spendy gifts, but they have lots of beautiful pieces available for under $150 as well as the luxurious pieces you've come to know them for.

Not sure what to get? MyJewelryBox.com has a Valentine's Day gift guide to help you pick the perfect present. You can browse by budget, and coupon code MJB20 will make the deal even sweeter by getting you 20% off through March 31.

Other Gifts

Spread the cheer by sending out a card from Paper Culture. They have cute greeting cards and photo cards, and right now coupon code TRUELOVE will get you 20% off Valentine's Day cards and wall art until February 12.

Looking for a special keepsake for this year's gift? Things Remembered has lots of personalizable and engravable gifts like jewelry, glassware, and frames. Coupon code WINTER15 will get you 15% off through February 16.

Flowers are a nice gesture whether you're being romantic or just sending a thinking-of-you gift. Kabloom is offering 16% off with coupon code AJ16, while ProFlowers is offering 15% off through February 19 when you use this link.

If none of the above will do for your sweetheart, consider taking him or her on a romantic getaway booked with CheapTickets. Through March 31, coupon code 5CHEAPTIX will get you 5% off bookings. May we suggest a tropical beach vacation?

What are you buying or hoping for this Valentine's?

Featured items:
Cherry Moon Farms Love and Cuddles Gift Basket
MyJewelryBox Created Pink Sapphire Heart Ring with Diamonds
Kabloom Oscar de la Rose Bouquet
See's Candies 4 oz. Assorted Chocolate Heart
Return to Tiffany Bead Bracelet
ProFlowers 30 Multi-Colored Tulips

To help you determine whether you are on the path to a passionate, long-term romance or stuck with a dead-end dud, we put together this graphic revealing what the Valentine’s Day gift you receive really says about the status of your relationship.

Want some sweet deals for your sweetheart? Check out our featured Valentine's Day coupons!

 
Embed on your blog
<a title="Click to Enlarge" href="http://ui.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:cdn.ultimatecoupons.com/get/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/valentine-infographic-final.jpg"><img src="http://ui.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:cdn.ultimatecoupons.com/get/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/valentine-infographic-final.jpg" alt="What your Valentine's Day gift says about your relationship" width="640" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.ultimatecoupons.com/blog/2012/02/what-your-valentines-day-gift-says-about-your-relationship-infographic ">What Your Valentine's Day Gift Says About Your Relationship</a> By <a href="http://www.ultimatecoupons.com">Ultimate Coupons</a>

Call me a helpless romantic, but I LOVE Valentine’s Day. Sappy cards, pink and red hearts everywhere, chocolate?! Sign me up! Valentine’s Day is a great day to tell those closest to you that you love them, and it’s also a great day to score some sweetheart deals.

Hallmark Cards for (almost) FREE

H&R Block's "Second Look Review"

The program you've probably seen ads for on TV is called Second Look Review. It's $29 and you're only eligible if you didn't use H&R Block to file your 2010, 2009 or 2008 returns. For this fee a tax professional will look over one tax return to ensure that you claimed all of your eligible tax credits and deductions. They say they can find other preparers' errors which would put more money in your pocket. They'll also give you a guarantee that if you do receive a penalty from the IRS because of an error H&R Block made, they'll cover your fees and interest.

Be Prepared for the Reverse Outcome

Getting an unexpected windfall would be great, but what if the error discovered is not in your favor? Tax professional Charles Davidson owns a tax education company that provides educational programs to new tax preparers. He's reviewed many old returns over the years and most of the time he found nothing wrong. When he did, it was often not in the taxpayer's favor. "Occasionally, I would find a mistake that would end up costing the taxpayer more money because of something that was left off the original return.  In those cases, the tax preparer has the obligation to inform the client that the previous return was prepared incorrectly and they would be willing to file an amended return," he explains. "The taxpayer, however, does not have to follow that advice, which creates something of an ethical dilemma." He says often if the taxpayer finds out they actually owe more they just decide to take their chances with an incorrect return.

Avoid Most Common Mistakes

If you did miss something on your tax return in the past it probably had to do with a deduction or depreciation you didn't take, or educational credits you forgot to cash in on. Some experts say these days tax software is so accurate that a math error is highly unlikely. The mistake may stem from not fully understanding the question. One way to avoid missing out on money is by reading each question completely. Don't skip over sections you think don't apply to you or you could be skipping over a bigger return.

May Be Risky if Mistakes are Found

Davidson says he once found an error that put an additional $1,500 in a client's pocket, but he says if you had your tax returns prepared by a professional CPA or another tax service, you probably won't be getting a windfall. Spending the $29 for a second look may not be worth it if you had your taxes done by a professional, but if you did your taxes yourself and you don't  feel confident, it may be worth a shot. However, keep in mind that filing an amended return also carries a fee of between $50 - $100. "If a mistake is made, it is not likely to be substantial enough to make up the difference paid in fees," he says. "There is a chance that a major mistake could be found, especially on a self-prepared return.  For those people, the cost of the double-check is a great deal."

Preparers May Offer Service for Free

Certified Financial Planner Sean Dowling says most reputable tax professionals will review your previous years return at no cost. "If they identify a mistake they will call attention to it and advise on the feasibility of amending the return and the costs associated with it," he says. And since it's a competitive industry, some H&R Block offices may be willing to waive the $29 fee if you mention another firm or company that is willing to review your old returns for free.

Featured Image Credit, Image 1 Credit, Image 2 Credit

Turn the Game into a Food Event

The Super Bowl is the second most popular food-related holiday of the year, behind Thanksgiving. According to TreeHugger.com there are a billion chicken wings consumed on Super Bowl Sunday, 28 million pounds of potato chips, and 53.5 million pounds of avocados. Since people are already eating lots of food, turn the party into a food event like a chili cook-off, salsa competition or sloppy joe match. Invite guests to whip up their favorite recipes and offer a small prize for the winner.

Super Bowl Commercial Rating Cards

Millions of people who tune in to the Super Bowl are actually more concerned with the ads. The more than three-hour long game includes a full 45 minutes of commercials. For non-football fans they are a great source of entertainment between all of that boring throwing and running and sweating. Make up several packs of commercial rating cards. Simply write the numbers one through five, with each number appearing on its own card. Give a set to each guest and have them rate the commercials on a scale of one to five. It will make this part of the game very interactive and even more entertaining.

Prevent People from Saying "Football"

Here's a football game anyone can play, regardless of their physical stature. As soon as guests walk in the door give them three paper footballs. If anyone says the word "football," the first person to call them out on it gets to take one of their paper footballs. The person who ends up with the most footballs at the end of the Super Bowl wins.

Super Bowl Bingo

Playing Bingo during the big game will help give non-football fans something else to focus on besides fumbles and fouls. Create a game board featuring logos of advertisers that are sure to make a Super Bowl appearance. Or put something in each box that's likely to pop up like "end zone dance," "face painted fan," or "sideline cameraman knocked down." The first person to spot five in a row wins.

Half-Time Entertainment Alternatives

Madonna's performance will probably be entertaining, but you may want to change the channel so non-football fans can get a little respite from Lucas Oil Stadium. One option—flip the remote to Animal Planet for the seventh annual Puppy Bowl. Cheer on Pit Bull mix Anthony and Baskin the Jack Russell mix as they compete for puppy domination. Football fans and non-football fans can all agree—those puppies are darn cute.

Score Some Big Deals

Last (but not least!) you can always get some good shopping time in while others are occupied by the game. Check out our Super Bowl sales round up for the best deals to score.

Featured Image Credit, Image 1 Credit, Image 2 Credit

I live in a house full of sports fanatics. While I would prefer to start Sunday morning listening to NPR, inevitably at my house there is always, and I mean always, something sports playing in the background. My daughter’s first word was “ball” and her second word was “goal.” Needless to say, Super Bowl Sunday is a big day in our house!

Coupon Quarterback

This year we will be watching the game at our friends’ house. (In the spirit of full disclosure, I will really only be watching the commercials—the rest will be a blur.) In typical Super Bowl fashion, we will be mostly snacking throughout the day, and it will be potluck style. I was trying to decide what to bring when I sat down with the weekly grocery ads and realized quickly that Albertson’s had done all the hard work for me.

Touchdown Deals at Albertsons

They had great deals on all the Super Bowl necessities, and had a promotion that I had never seen before: All coupons less than $1 would be valued at $1. This meant that I was able to score some huge savings! I combined the sale prices from the Albertsons ad, and then went online to find manufacturer coupons that, regardless of their value, would be entered as $1 off.

Albertsons was also offering a promotion: If you mix and matched 10 items (or in increments of 10) each item was an additional 50 cents off. This worked out perfectly because many of the items were just what I needed to prep for the Super Bowl.

My Contribution to the Party

While I can’t guarantee that I will bring any substantive sports knowledge to the party (I had to google who was playing in the Super Bowl before I wrote this!), I can guarantee that I will bring some fan favorites, and at a great price. I will be contributing paper plates, napkins, 3-12 packs of soda, 8-12 ounce bottles of soda, chips and salsa, crackers and cheese dip (made in the slow cooker…yum!), pizza roll appetizers (for the kiddos), chicken nuggets (for the toddlers), and M&Ms.

I am bringing ALL of that, and spent only $40.30. I saved $30.46. That's 44 percent savings!

I should note that before you feel sorry for me because our Super Bowl spread reads like something from a kids menu, never fret. Our other friends are in charge of the adult appetizers and snacks!

Play by Play of the Savings

Here are a few examples of the savings:

Chips and cheese dip:

Rotel diced tomatoes
on sale for .99, minus $1 coupon= FREE

Velveeta cheese
on sale for $6.49, minus $1 coupon = $5.49

Tostitos chips
on sale for $1.99

Paper goods

Dixie plates, 24 count
on sale for $1.99,  minus $1 coupon = .99

Vanity Fair napkins
on sale for $1.99, minus $1 coupon = .99

Wheat Thins
on sale for 1.99, minus $1 coupon = .99

M&M’s (12.6 ounce bag)
on sale for $2.49, minus $1 coupon = $1.49

Diet Coke
on sale 3-12 packs for $11, came with coupon for FREE 8 pack of 12 ounce diet coke

The Final Score

Total spent $40.30, Total savings $30.46, or 44 percent!

While my family eagerly counts down the days until the big game, I will stay on the look out for more crazy Super Bowl bargains, while listening to NPR every chance I get.

Image credits: Amy Leneker, and NFL image credit

TV Deals for Optimal Viewing

A game as big as the Super Bowl needs a big TV! To celebrate, ShopKo is having a sale on all of their LCD HDTVs until February 15th. They have a great selection of TVs from well known brands, and they range from 19" to 46", so you can find a great set for any space.

Not big enough? Sears is offering $100 off the Zenith 50" Class 720p Plasma HDTV—it's $549.99 through February 4. Buy online and pick it up at the store for free, so you can set it up in time for the big game.

Football Gear

Rooting for the Giants? So are The New York Times, and they're offering 15% off all Giants merchandise with coupon code GMEN15. They have cool historical memorabilia-like page reprints, photos and autographs galore! This offer expires February 14, 2012.

Prefer the Patriots? Wayfair has tons of merchandise for the New England team, and items found here ship for free! They have tons of gear for other NFL teams too.

Even if your favorite team isn't playing, you can still rock their gear for less with NFL merchandise from Wear Your Beer. They're offering 20% off all NFL merchandise with coupon code 20NFL2011. In addition to shirts and hoodies for men and women, they have tons of other gear too—like backpacks, glassware, beach towels and drink koozies. This coupon expires February 6, 2012.

Party Supplies and Decor

We already gave you some ideas for throwing a great Super Bowl Party, now stock up on the goodies! Celebrate Express is offering $20 off orders of $100 or more with exclusive coupon code ULTIMATE through March 31st.

Don't want to settle for the usual Super Bowl party decor? Make your get-together especially epic with sports wall graphics from Fathead. They specialize in larger than life decals featuring sports logos and players, and to celebrate the big game they're offering 25% off all Patriots and Giants merchandise, plus free second day air shipping with coupon code SUPERSALE. If you refuse to cheer on one of these teams, even for the Super Bowl, this code also gets you 15% off any other NFL decals. This deal expires February 7, 2012.

Other Sales

There are plenty of stores offering Super Bowl sales, even if they don't specialize in gear for the big day. Accessory Geeks is offering up to 60% off in their Super Bowl Sale. You'll find lots of mobile accessories—some even featuring Patriots and Giants logos! This sale ends February 2.

Toys 'R' Us is offering 25% off Madden NFL 12 for Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii and PS3. The newest installment in this classic video game series will help you get over your post season blues by letting you play from the comfort of your own couch! These sale prices are valid through February 4.

Few things go together like football and beer. MakeBeer.net sells a DIY beer kit, and through February 5th, you can get it for 10% off with coupon code SUPER10. Maybe by next year's game you'll have perfected your own brew to share with friends!

Photo credits: Featured, 1, 2, 3

Imagine you have $500 to lavish on your loved one for a super special Valentine’s Day, how would you spend it? Would you go the traditional route with flowers and a box of chocolates? Or would you do something outlandish, outrageous, or completely unique to the tastes of your significant other?

Tell us what you would do with a $500 budget in a 500 word post on your blog and you’ll be entered to win $500 in sweet gift cards, so you can spoil your sweetie on the big day!

Grand Prize:  $500 in gift cards!
($200 Visa's Gift Card, $200 See's Candies gift card, and a $100 Wine.com gift card!)

Our editorial team will carefully review all entries and will be looking for creative and well-written ideas. Post the link to your blog entry in a comment on this blog post and you’ll be set!

Also required for entry,  include 2 links in your post that point back to relevant coupon pages on the UltimateCoupons site.

Examples:

- I would buy my boyfriend his favorite butterscotch lollipops from See’s Candies.

- My girlfriend has never been to the Grand Canyon, so I'd get a fancy rental car and go on a spontaneous road trip.

Entry Checklist

1. 500 word post on your blog about the awesome things you would do for your sweetie with $500

2. Include 2 links in the blog that point back to coupon pages on UltimateCoupons.com

3. Post the link to your blog entry in a comment on this blog post

Contest runs through Wednesday, February 8, 11:59 pm PST. The winners will be randomly selected from the top creative entries as determined by our editorial team. Terms & Conditions apply.

Consumers Still Save with Modern Sale Strategy

For those of us who thrive on the thrill of a good bargain-hunt, this strategy may seem devastating, but for most Americans (who don't have the time nor the energy to invest in couponing and sale stalking,) the new strategy is more of a godsend. How's it going to work? It's a fairly simple three-tiered solution that offers "Every Day" low pricing, "Monthly Value" discounts on select merchandise each month, and "Best Price" Clearance deals.

Here's how it works:

"Every Day" Value Pricing

The "Every Day" low pricing model will mean that regular prices will become sale prices permanently. Shoppers will have to train their eyes to stop looking for weekend savings events or sale ad prices, and just accept that the ticketed price is a "Sale" price that's available every day. The company plans to use sales data from last year to discount prices on all merchandise at least 40 percent or lower than the previous year's prices—thus arriving at the "Every Day" value price. Penney's CEO Ron Johnson says, "Customers will not pay literally a penny more than the true value of the product."

A single price point approach might sound like less of a hassle and a better deal for shoppers, but it's not how we're trained to shop—on a recent visit to my local J.C. Penney where the change had already taken place, I found it to be nothing but frustrating. It seems all too final knowing that the ticket price is the best I'll see all season and the one I'm stuck paying no matter what.

"Monthly Value" Discounts

Each month, the retailer will pick items to go on sale for a "Month-Long Value." Shoppers can expect to see items like jewelry or Valentine's Day gifts going on sale in February, but think seasonal here, and not so much departmental or categorical. Another change will be less advertisements and coupons in your mailboxes. The company will replace old mailers with a 96-page colorful catalog that highlights "Monthly Value" items which will be mailed each month to customers along with other select promotional efforts. The perk here? Less junk in your mailbox and less pressure to rush down and shop on the typical weekend sale schedule.

"Best Price" Clearance Deals

The first question on many of our minds is, "What about Clearance pricing?". While I'd love to tell you it will remain intact, I'd hate to get your hopes up. It will, however, be a sort of hybrid to what most shoppers expect. Items that don't sell well will still go on Clearance, but only during the first and third Friday of every month (when many Americans get paid). They won't, however, have any additional savings coming off at the register. Instead, they'll be dubbed "Best Prices," which should alert customers that this is the cheapest price.

Why no extra savings or slashed down price tags? It's part of their effort for simpler shopping: less signage, easier to read tickets, etc. In fact, ticket appearances will change drastically; they'll use whole figures when pricing items, so you won't see items with a price tag of $19.99, but rather $19 or $20, and if an item gets a new price, it gets a new tag too. Tags will be even be colored according to their coordinating mark downs: red tags indicate an "Every Day" price, white tags represent a "Month-Long Value" and blue tags designate a "Best Price." I love that tickets will no longer be crowded by sale sticker atop sale sticker, making it hard for shoppers to locate correct pricing. Plus, if an item wanders to another rack, there won't be confusion as to what the item's price is suppose to be.

Have questions about the new sales strategy? Fire 'em our way and we'll see if we can get them answered. Plus, share your thoughts and opinions about it below!

Resources

J.C. Penney Gets Rid of Hundreds of Sales

J.C. Penney Adopting New Pricing, Sales Strategy

Featured Image Credit, Image 1 Credit, Image 2 Credit