ONCE you've bought a card, flowers, chocolates, gone out for a fancy meal and had a few glasses of champers, you can feel like you've spent enough money to mortgage a small house.

But does it mean you love your partner anymore than you did before?

Valentine's Day has become a big money spinner and the sentiment behind the day is often lost in the panic to buy something that will impress your partner.

West Bridgford mum Becky Goddard-Hill, 38, is an expert in budgeting and runs www.babybudgeting.co.uk. She has turned her hand from babies to couples, and come up with ideas for people who want to do the day on a budget.

"Valentine's Day can feel a bit forced, like Christmas can," she says. "You feel like you have to fork out money that you don't really have spare and you're just spending because everyone else is. It can take all of the romance out of it.

"The idea of doing it on a budget is that you give your time, effort and consideration when thinking about what to do for your partner."

Becky has produced a list of ideas on her budgeting blog on her website.

Her suggestions include creating a home spa for your other half, or going for a walk in the park and feeding the ducks together.

Becky got one of the ideas on her list from husband Danny who treated her to a budget Valentine's Day gift last year.

She says: "My favourite idea has to be the day off. It's a complete day off from doing any chores or parenting responsibilities. My husband did this for me last year and it was magical.

"From the moment I got up I didn't have to think about dressing the kids or clearing up. I could just do whatever I liked for a whole day. It didn't cost him anything financially but in terms of effort it cost him a huge amount. And I had a complete day's rest which was really lovely."

Other ideas that Becky suggests are organising a romantic meal at home with candles and music, or giving your partner special cuddles and an early night.

And for men worried about appearing to be a skinflint, Becky gives this advice:

"I think men have more confidence in presenting a big bouquet of flowers than presenting a homemade card or poem.

"I think women really appreciate being thought about and considered, more than money spent on them... well most women!"

riah.matthews@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk