The Real Deal: Celebrating love may cost you more this year

If your sweetie has a sweet tooth, be ready to pay up. You can expect to spend more on chocolates and candies.

News 12 Staff

Jan 27, 2023, 1:40 PM

Updated 625 days ago

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Are you considering roses, chocolates or a romantic restaurant to celebrate your love this Valentine's Day? Caleb Silver, of Investopedia, tells us what prices are looking like in our area.
Celebrating love may cost you more this year. 
"Americans are expected to spend more this Valentine's Day, about $23.9 billion, according to the National Retail Federation. That's about $175 per person, up from $164 last year," Silver says. 
If your sweetie has a sweet tooth, be ready to pay up. You can expect to spend more on chocolates and candies. The category is up 11.6% this year. 
Chocolate prices are up because of a shortage of cocoa around the world. 
Gold prices are about flat -- 0.8% higher. 
Roses are down 5.2%. 
If you're taking your date out to a restaurant, filet mignon prices are down about 19.9%. 
Looking to save? Here are some tips from News 12's consumer reporter Janice Lieberman:
Consider making dinner at home.
Use your unused gift cards from Christmas to buy something at a retailer or restaurant. 
Check for coupons and discounts!