A Trend Worth Loving: 2019 "Cost of Loving Index" Shows Price Stability for Expressions of Love

HOUSTON, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Houstonians expressing their love this Valentine's Day can expect to spend about the same on popular gifts of affection, except for delivery of a dozen heart-warming long-stemmed red roses that will cost 7.5 percent more this year. Ah, the price of love.

The annual "Cost of Loving Index," compiled by Houston-based investment advisory firm Houston Asset Management, has been tracking the cost of the same nine popular gift items every year since 1990, when rose delivery cost $65 compared to $151.55 this year.

According to a survey by the National Retail Federation (NRF), Americans are expected to spend a record $161.96 for Valentine's Day, up 13 percent from last year. In Houston, they can anticipate stable pricing with the "Cost of Loving Index" up a meager half percent this year.

Bob Frater, CFP^®, CEO of Houston Asset Management, said the index is an entertaining and informative way to illustrate the impact of inflation and the need to save for discretionary spending.

"When we started the index in 1990, inflation was six percent and today it is only 2.4 percent," said Frater. "But the purpose of our play on the Cost of Living Index is informative on spending habits, and not scientific. This year, seven gifts on the list stayed the same price or have a very little price increase. Gift-givers don't have to worry about increasing their budgets to spoil loved ones."

The stable price trend includes uncorking a bottle of Simi chardonnay for $30, the same price listed since 2017. That highly desired heart-shaped box of Godiva chocolates has been priced at $100 since 2013. A one-ounce bottle of Chanel No. 5 perfume is the same as last year at $340, and two tickets to a first-run movie for two remain priced at $25.86.

Also priced the same as last year on the Cost of Loving Index are a designer silk tie ($175) and a Valentine greeting card ($6.25). However, a four-course romantic dinner for two at a high-end restaurant is up in price about two percent at $346. 

The one item that dropped in price significantly – 12.5 percent – is a silk nightie from Victoria's Secret.

The NRF reports Valentine spending is expected to total $20.7 billion this year, representing an increase of six percent over last year's $19.6 billion.

For more information about Houston Asset Management, visit www.HoustonAssetMgmt.com.

About Houston Asset Management Inc.
Founded in 1980, Houston Asset Management is a full-service registered investment advisory firm offering financial planning and investment advisory services.  The firm works in partnership with its clients to help provide prompt and efficient solutions to problems and achievement of clients' objectives. For more information, visit www.houstonassetmgmt.com.  Houston Asset Management is located at 1800 West Loop S, Ste 1980, Houston, TX 77027, (713) 629-1534. Securities offered through SagePoint Financial, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC.  Investment advisory services offered through Houston Asset Management, Inc. a registered investment advisor not affiliated with SagePoint Financial, Inc.

For more information, contact:

Judi Martin, JM Group
713-299-5619
[email protected]

SOURCE Houston Asset Management

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