People find love in all sorts of places, and for all sorts of reasons, but a survey taken in 2014 has revealed some interesting statistics about what people generally find most attractive in a prospective mate.
According to the Experian Credit Score Marriage Survey Report 2014, half the couples surveyed in the US stated that credit scores were very important when choosing a mate. Physical attractiveness and career ambition lagged behind financial responsibility.
Financial problems are often one of the top reasons for divorce or separation, but there are some things that can be done early on to mitigate the potential risks, according to Forbes.com:
- Don’t spend a fortune on a wedding
- Fully disclose your financial situation to your prospective spouse
- Understand the difference between an argument about money and a “clash of temperaments”
- Make sure you’re both working toward the same goals
- Set a budget, or at least agree on an expectation of spending
- Don’t keep secrets
- Give each other some space on discretionary spending
- Develop a system for managing finances
- Keep it civil – disagreements will happen but escalating into a full-blown fight isn’t productive
- Get help when you need it
Number 10 in this list may be the most significant – advice from a financial planner can be invaluable in setting up a stable plan to ensure many of these relationship pitfalls can be avoided before they even happen. A financial planner can help identify the differences in money style and help the clients recognise where their goals align.
Good advice helps to keep couples on track. Financial compatibility may not be the only reason for a relationship breakdown, but with good advice it may be possible to reduce the overall pressure and help to build a harmonious and prosperous future.