Regardless of the state of the economy, many people find themselves a little strapped for money around the holidays Heating costs, food for holiday gatherings, holiday travel costs, and gifts all factor in to making November through January the most expensive time of the year

Born in 1394, French nobleman Charles of Valois is credited in penning the first Valentine’s Day sentiment Charles became Duke of Orleans in 1407 after his father was murdered on behalf of John the Fearless, Duke of Burgundy

While Valentine’s Day is certainly a holiday that commemorates St Valentine, it is possible that the date of celebrations has roots in a far earlier tradition

Legend says that Henry V commissioned a talented poet named John Lydgate to write a valentine for Catherine of Valois, who was Henry V’s intended This sounds like a simple tale – a loving husband or fiancé giving his sweetheart a gift on Valentine’s Day – but the story is much more complicated