If you’ve woken up this morning and you don’t have rose petals scattered on the floor leading you to heart shaped pancakes for breakfast along with a card and your favourite Jo Malone perfume – don’t give your partner the cold shoulder.

Valentines can be quite divisive for people, some believing that Hallmark invented the holiday in order to sell more greetings card but after some digging it looks like the concept of Valentines can be credited to Geoffrey Chaucer in the 14th Century and spoiler alert it’s not connected to red roses, chocolate, lacy underwear and a M&S meal deal.

Check out debate on Valentine’s Day in last week’s The Vault podcast here

If you’ve scrolled through socials today, you’ll be inundated with images of influencers unwrapping gifted products from brands wanting to promote their pajamas, cups, plates and candles. If you don’t have the funds, time or inclination to replicate a stunning breakfast table filled with Valentine’s themed goods we’re here to tell you that’s ok! If it’s anything like my Valentine’s Day, you’re running out the door, carrying school bags, quickly brushing teeth and telling your kids to put their shoes on for the 10th time!

If you’re a millennial like me you will have been brought up watching American romcoms. The big over the top romantic gestures that set the standard for our love life.

Richard Gere standing out the top of a stretch limo, red roses in hand and climbing the fire escape to his Pretty Woman.

Ryan Gosling writing a letter to his love everyday and rowing in a lake of swans in The Notebook.

Freddie Prince Jnr waiting for Laney Boggs at the bottom of the staircase in She’s All That.

Our expectations are set so high, it’s likely we’re setting ourselves up to feel disappointed at a potentially ‘lacklustre’ sign of love and affection.

So today we’re giving you permission to lean into the small gestures of love that make you feel good and don’t cost a penny.

Holding hands on a walk.

An extended hug (we’re talking a really long one).

A cup of tea in bed.

A bath and pajamas waiting on the radiator (a personal favourite).

Looking back through old photos together.

And don’t worry if you don’t have a love interest, Galentine’s can also be a truly rewarding holiday without breaking the bank.

Gather girlfriends to watch your favourite movie , we’re thinking Mean Girls, Legally Blonde, Clueless.

Cook up a storm in the kitchen together.

Head out on a hike. 

Vision board night.

Happy Valentines from The Financielle team, we will always be your Galentine but in the words of Jennifer Lopez… “Love don’t cost a thing”.

P.S If you want to join like-minded on their money journey head to the Financielle Community in the app now