First-Date Dos and Don'ts: Should Money Be on the Menu?

Finding a compatible partner will be crucial when it comes time to settle down. Money is typically a major determinant of how well you will get along, from how it impacts you emotionally to your wage expectations.

If you and the other party are not on the same financial page, long-term and short-term problems might arise.

While total financial disharmony is unlikely to occur, early information exchange can lessen the frequency and severity of these disputes. You may set a positive tone for the first date by asking these questions:

How Did You View Money During Your Formative Years?

Asking a retrospective inquiry might help you get an important understanding of how the other individual came to form their current financial practices. Their early financial education will serve them well in the long run.

Inquire about the financial aspects of living with their parents or other primary caregivers. Was there a sense of security or financial stress? Did they work together to solve problems, or did they argue over bills? Asking them if they were kept in the dark about money or if they actively learned how to budget and accumulate wealth may help you bring up the subject. Talk about your personal experiences and the lessons you learned.

How Do You Currently Feel About Money?

After asking the first question, it is logical to follow up by speaking with them about their present positive or negative sentiments about money.

You want to know, but you don't have to be direct in your questioning. This is about knowing and sharing ideals.

You may say, for instance, that your favorite way to spend money is to travel on a budget, save for luxury purchases that you couldn't afford when you were younger, or invest and see your money increase because it gives you a sense of security. Find out what interests your date, then talk about it.

Read also: Luxury Home Boom Could Leave Regular Buyers Out in the Cold

What's Your Income Per Year?

Inquiring about your date's income immediately is acceptable if you're serious about finding your ideal partner. Naturally, you're intrigued and with good cause.

If you decide to tie the knot, your combined income needs to be enough to cover your necessities and desires. Furthermore, you might need to make some extra financial plans if you're keen to establish a family.

On the first date, you might not need to know the precise amount, but having an understanding of it will be useful. Think about posing this query using specifics from your work.

What Is Your Annual Goal Income?

It's time to move on to the future now. Maybe your date claims to be content with their job as a social worker for a nonprofit organization and resides in Nashville, Tennessee. If that's the case, their hourly wage may be about $25. That's great, but you might not have enough money if you plan to buy a house in Los Angeles, which has a pricey real estate market, shortly after you get married. As such, you must determine how to make it happen, modify your objectives, or find another path.

Related article: The American Dream on Hold: What It Would Really Take to Make Homes

The content provided on MoneyTimes.com is for informational purposes only and is not intended as financial advice. Please consult with a professional financial advisor before making any investment decisions.