Candy, Flowers or an IRA for Valentine's Day?
For Immediate Release
February 01, 2005
Media Contact: Will Casserly
wcasserly@ricedelman.com
(703) 251-0110
FAIRFAX, VA (February 1, 2005) ? Whether you give that special someone a box of chocolates, a dozen red roses, or just a card, Valentine's Day will cost more than it did last year according to financial planner Ric Edelman of Edelman Financial Services, based in Fairfax VA.
According to the Edelman Valentine's Day Index™, Cupid would spend $2,499 to impress your true love this year. The Index illustrates the potential drain on your wallet when showering your honey with a card, roses, chocolates, jewelry, a day at the spa, lingerie, dinner, and a romantic night at a hotel as the start to a three-night secret getaway. A breakdown of the index shows:
| 2005 | 2004 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valentine's Day Card from Hallmark | $4 | $4 | 0% |
| 1lb box of Godiva chocolates | $35 | $35 | 0% |
| Dozen roses from FTD Florist | $86 | $85 | 1% |
| Gold heart locket from Littman's jeweler's | $119 | $99 | 20% |
| Day at Salon Nordine Spa, Fairfax VA | $285 | $265 | 8% |
| Silk Nightie from Victoria's Secret | $95 | $95 | -3% |
| Dinner for two at the Sea Catch Restaurant, Washington D.C. | $150 | $150 | 0% |
| One night stay at the Washington Hilton | $249 | $289 | -14% |
| Surprise three night excape weekend to Caesar's Poconos, PA | $1,476 | $1,385 | 7% |
| Total | $2,499 | $2,410 | 4% |
Considering the $89 increase in cost over the prior year, Edelman added: "On further reflection, it might be best just to tell your beloved, "I love you" and put the cash into his or her IRA. Saving for your true love's future proves that your love is eternal."
Rescue Your Money, written by award-winning financial advisor Ric Edelman, is your personal investment recovery plan.
