Debt.com Survey: Your Valentine Isn't Keen on Adding to Your Debt

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Feb. 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite reports of near record-high spending for Valentine's Day, a new Debt.com survey finds most people are not interested in their partner going into debt to get the perfect gift. In fact, almost half of survey respondents said they don't expect their partner to spend anything at all this year.

Debt.com surveyed over 1,200 Americans over the age of 18 to ask how they intended to spend money this Valentine's Day, as well as what they expected from their significant others. The majority of respondents (67 percent) said it was at least somewhat important to mark the occasion. That includes 7 percent who said they were single, but planned to spoil themselves.

However, almost half (48 percent) of those who said they intended to celebrate said they would not care if their partner did not spend any money at all. Another 44 percent said they only expected a gift that was $50 or less. Just 7 percent wanted a gift that cost more than $50, and less than 1% wanted a gift that cost more than $100.  To get last minute ideas on inexpensive gifts that will still impress, read 20 Cheap Valentine's Day Gifts for Him and Her.

"We tend to over-gift in the desire to make our loved ones happy," explains Howard Dvorkin, Chairman of Debt.com. "We expect less and give more, because everyone wants to make sure their loved ones know how much they care. Overspending can easily be avoided at holidays like Valentine's Day with a simple conversation. Talk about what you expect as a couple, so you can both be on the same page in avoiding debt."

This advice fits with the fact that 89 percent of people say they wouldn't expect an indebted partner to take on more debt to buy a gift. Most survey respondents said you don't need money to have a good time on Valentine's Day.

"Being up front about financial challenges and setting spending limits on gifts shows you're financially responsible," Dvorkin says. "That's an attractive quality to have, so you may do more for your relationship if you're honest than if you overextended yourself for a pricey gift."

About: Debt.com is the consumer website where people can find help with credit card debt, student loan assistance, credit monitoring, tax debt, identity theft, credit repair, bankruptcy, debt collector harassment and more. Debt.com works with only vetted and certified providers that give the best advice and solutions for consumers 'when life happens.'

SOURCE Debt.com