Even in tight times, we all tend to spend for Feb. 14

By LESLEY MITCHELL

| The Salt Lake Tribune

If you think December is a budget-busting month, watch out for February. Even at a time when many Americans don’t have a lot of extra money, Valentine’s Day spending — on cards, flowers, treats, candy and dinner out — is expected to jump against this year.

According to a survey conducted for the National Retail Federation, per-person expenditures related to Valentine’s Day are expected to increase 8.5 percent, to $116.21, the highest in the survey’s 10-year history. Total spending is expected to reach $17.6 billion.

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Here are a few money-saving ideas that can help you celebrate the day of love without being sorry for it later.

Check the daily deals sites » From now until Feb. 14, you’ll find a variety of discounted Valentine’s Day and related offers on sites such as Groupon.com, LivingSocial.com, PlumDistrict.com and Google.com/offers. On Google’s site, for example, Brighton Resort is offering a ski date night for two for $99.

Ski or snowshoe in the moonlight » Keeping with the theme of the great outdoors, check the ski resorts for date-night deals. How about cross-country skiing or snowshoeing under a full moon? Michelle Powell, of EnjoyUtah.org, suggests an unguided stroll in the woods at Sundance Resort. You’ll have to celebrate Valentine’s Day early, though, on Feb. 6 or 7. The $15 per-person fee covers equipment rental. Go to Sundanceresort.com/explore/wnt_events and click on "Full Moon Cross Country Ski or Snowshoe."

Split a carriage ride » You’ll pay $50 to take a half-hour horse-drawn carriage ride through the downtown area on Valentine’s Day, but that’s a per-ride fee, not a per-couple fee, says Powell. Split the ride with another couple and you’ll each pay only $25. Or split a ride on any day other than Valentine’s Day and you’ll pay only $20. Be sure to make a reservation now if you’re planning on a Feb. 14 ride. Go to carriageforhire.net/tours.html for more information.

Learn to dance » DF Dance Studio in Salt Lake City is offering a Valentine’s Salsa Ball. Cost is $10 per person and includes dance instruction, performances and refreshments. For more information, go to bit.ly/A3bBS3

Sample romantic wines » If you enjoy wine tasting, you already know that private wine parties or classes can be expensive. But on Feb. 10 and 11, the Fox School of Wine in Park City is offering a "Wines of Romance" class. Taste and learn about five wines in about an hour. Cost is $25 per person. For more information, go to Foxschoolofwine.com.

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If you’re really on a tight budget, you may want to try these two ideas:

Have a movie night » Stop by Redbox or grab a movie from your local library — a branch may carry more popular films than you may think — and have dinner and popcorn at home.

Redbox is offering a free rental on Valentine’s Day. Go to Facebook.com/redbox and click on the "Valentines" tab on the left side of the page to send any of your "friends" a free DVD rental code.