---
title: 4 Smart Money Moves You Should Make in February
description: 'How to save money and spend smart: Start your 1040 tax prep, get a Valentine''s Day diamond deal, apply (late) to colleges.'
authors:
  - name: Athena Cao
    url: https://money.com/author/athena-cao/
    at_money_since: 2016
    articles: 10
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published: '2017-02-01T11:00:07.000Z'
modified: '2024-02-23T09:50:12.000Z'
section: Personal Finance
tags:
  - budget travel
  - College Applications
  - deals
  - money magazine
  - Shopping
  - Taxes
  - Travel
word_count: 211
canonical: https://money.com/february-money-moves-list/
type: Article
source: structured-blocks
---

> **Disclosure:** Money may earn a commission when you click on the products and services below. Opinions are our own, but compensation and in-depth research determine where and how they appear. [Learn more](https://money.com/page/disclaimer/) about how we make money.

![Heart shaped alarm clock on a wooden surface against a white background](https://img.money.com/2017/01/173001_fdo_dolistfeb.jpg)

Every month, Money gives you a list of ways to save money, spend intelligently, and improve your overall financial condition. This month's list includes tax-time prep as well as smart shopping tips for Valentine's Day gifts and holiday vacations.

**Feb. 1: Impress your valentine.**

Planning to buy one-carat diamond studs for your love? Get 0.97-carat jewels instead. You'll save up to 25%, since diamond prices jump at each half-carat point. The 0.03-carat difference will be imperceptible.

**Feb. 4-10: Start on your 1040.**

Check that you've received your tax statements, since most should have arrived by now. A quick refund is just one advantage of filing soon. (See 6 Smart Ways to Give Your Finances a Boost Right Now.)

**Feb. 15: Make a late college application.**

Worried your high school senior won't get into a great, affordable college? Today is the last day to apply to some top-value schools, like [Muhlenberg College](https://money.com/best-colleges/profile/muhlenberg-college/) (No. 87 on [Money's Best Colleges rankings](https://money.com/best-colleges/)) and [Towson University](https://money.com/best-colleges/profile/towson-university/) (No. 242). Find [more schools with late deadlines](https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-in/applying-101/late-applications).

**Feb. 28: Book a New Year's flight.**

If 2016 is any indication, now is the best time to buy year-end plane tickets. Christmas and New Year's average airfare was $130 lower this time last year than in early December, according to CheapAir.com.

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