Do consumers plan on sticking to their budgets, or are all bets off on a day like Valentine's Day?

Answer: 

1. Candy: 57%
2. Greeting cards: 40%
3. Flowers: 37%
4. An Evening Out: 32%
5. Jewelry: 21%

Questions:

• How might increased demand for certain products (candy) and services (restaurant meals) impact prices? How would this impact your purchasing decisions?
• Do you feel increased pressure as a consumer to make purchases during holidays? Why or why not?
• What are some strategies you could use to avoid overspending on holidays like Valentine’s Day?

Here are the ready-to-go slides for this Question of the Day that you can use in your classroom.

Behind the numbers (National Retail Federation): 

"No matter who you’re shopping for — whether you’re following the trend and splurging on your significant other, showing love to your friends, pets and coworkers, or celebrating “Galentine’s Day” with your friends — there’s something for everyone. While candy and greeting cards remain the most popular Valentine’s gifts, consumers are also setting records on spending for jewelry, flowers, clothing and an evening out this year as they celebrate the romantic relationships in their lives."

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Check out NGPF's Budgeting unit to give your students the skills to pay the bills (and more).

About the Author

Ryan Wood

Ryan is the Partnerships and Adoption Manager for Next Gen Personal Finance’s midwest region. He brings his experience as a former teacher, curriculum designer, and sales and marketing professional to state organizations and school districts in supporting the implementation of their personal financial education efforts. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and earned his teaching credential from Saint Mary’s University in Winona, Minnesota. He proudly taught at two rural high schools in Wisconsin before transitioning to curriculum design at NGPF, and is now excited to be on the front lines in delivering the best possible financial education in the midwest. He and his wife have three beautiful daughters, each of which inspire him to share the impact of being sound financial stewards both at home and as lifelong learners.