According to the National Retail Federation’s 2011 Valentine’s Day Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, American spent nearly $16 billion in 2011 on Valentine’s Day! The average person spent $116.21 on gifts for their loved one. How much did they spend on each loved one?

• Couples on significant other or spouse - $68.98
• Family pets - $5.04
• Friends - $6.30
• Classmates and teachers - $4.97
• Co-workers - $3.41

And what did they buy?

• 36% bought flowers
• 16% bought jewelry
• 47% ate out
• 58% bought cards

In the spirit of the economic stability that we are all trying to achieve, here are a few ideas on ways to spend your $116.21 to really show your loved one you really care, the gift of financial stability:

• Make an extra payment to your beloved's credit card account. Take a photo of the check with your cell phone and send it to them with a loving text message: "This one's on me, honey!"

• As a new V-Day tradition, add $116.20 to the mortgage or car payment each year. Run some numbers and print out the amortization table showing how much faster you'll pay off your loan.

• Sweeten that retirement account. Secretly add $116.20 to Snookie's IRA. How much could that be worth in 30 years? More than $1,000. She'll be thrilled when she realizes what that really says about your love.

• Pay bills early. Surprise your one-and-only by paying a few of the March bills in advance (think small: car insurance, electricity, or water). Point out that this builds in some financial breathing room moving forward.