Has your valentine ever lied to you or tried to hide financial information from you?
a. Never
b. Sometimes
c. Many times
What it means
If you chose (c) and detect half-truths or outright lies about money matters, it can mean two things. One, he/she is also lying to you about other things in his/her life and, two, there are serious financial issues that he/she doesn’t want you to know. In either case, you will fail at a stable financial relationship with such a partner.
Is your date always spoiling you with lavish gifts & outings despite just having started a job?
a. Rarely, and only if there is spare money.
b. On special occasions and events.
c. Does so even if he has high credit card debt.
What it means
Gifts will not help you after marriage if your partner ends up being debt-ridden. So, if you picked option (c), your date is either extremely bad at managing money, is irresponsible about money, or has self-esteem issues and is trying to buy your favour, especially if you earn well yourself. If you chose (a) or (b), you are safe.
If you try to talk about money, what is your date’s response?
a. Takes the initiative to talk about finances.
b. Is slightly hesitant, but responds if I insist.
c. Avoids all conversations about money.
What it means
Good communication, especially about money, is at the root of a healthy married life. If you chose option (c) and your spouse shows no inclination to talk about money, take it as a sign that it will create problems after marriage. If it is (b), you can work on the issue and resolve it with some effort.
Does your partner lead a flashy lifestyle and keeps up with the latest trends?
a. No, he has simple needs and is not pressured by trends.
b. Only if he has money to spare.
c. Yes, he loves to keep up with the Joneses.
What it means
Trying to keep up with the style brigade or peers can drain your finances enough to affect your budget and goals. It may also become a big cause of conflict in the relationship if you are not able to run your household smoothly.
How many loans does your date have?
a. None so far, but may take loan for house or business later.
b. 1-2.
c. 4-5 as my date finances everything with loans.
What it means
Being debt-ridden can not only impact your financial goals but also cause much stress in the relationship, especially if there is only one breadwinner. So if your partner has too many loans, you must either discuss about how these can be reduced or talk to a financial adviser.
If you offer financial advice, what is your partner’s reaction?
a. We debate the pros and cons before he/she takes action.
b. He/she consults others before taking action.
c. We always end up fighting.
What it means
If your choice is (a) or (b), you are likely to have smooth communication and a fairly stable financial relationship, but if the choice is (c), expect a rocky life as far as finances are concerned.
If employed, how any times has your date changed jobs in the past five years?
a. Has the same job.
b. 1-2 times.
c. 3-4 times.
What it means
A stable job is essential for a smooth financial journey, especially if there is a single breadwinner. If your date is changing jobs too frequently, it can either mean lack of skills for a sustained job, or lack of staying power, both of which can lead to erratic finances. And instability in married life.
Does your partner try to undermine your money habits, purchases or investment choices?
a. Never
b. Only if I go overboard.
c. All the time.
What it means
If you chose (c), your date has serious financial baggage either due to upbringing or parents’ money habits, psychological reasons, or insecurity about his/her own finances. Continue to date only if your options were (a) or (b).
Have you talked about how you will manage your finances if you were to get married?
a. Yes, we discuss our financial responsibilities in detail.
b. We may talk if we get married.
c. No, we feel uncomfortable to talk about it.
What it means
If you picked (a) or (b), you can take it as a green signal for a happy financial life, but (c) could lead to unnecessary conflicts after marriage. It is better to overcome the roadblocks before you tie the knot.
Is your partner running short of funds and looking to borrow by month-end?
a. No, he has a budget and manages his money well.
b. Only sometimes.
c. Yes, he never seems to have enough money.
What it means
Options (a) and (b) indicate an organised mind and a smooth financial journey ahead. However, (c) may hint at a habit impossible to get rid of and will impact your own financial health if you continue to date such a person. Steer clear.
Does your partner’s saving or spending habits irk you?
a. Not at all. Our habits are very similar.
b. Only sometimes.
c. Yes, I can’t stand the way he handles his money.
What it means
Similar spending and saving habits definitely bring down conflicts, but if other financial parameters and traits in your date are favourable, it is something you should be willing to compromise on. However, if you picked option (c), think again if you will be able to overlook and have a smooth relationship.
Is your partner’s family financially dependent on him/her?
a. No, they are financially independent.
b. They take his/her help sometimes.
c. Yes, they are completely dependent on him/her.
What it means
If the family is financially dependent on your partner, or he/she is dependent on them, it should serve as a big red flag for you as it can lead to serious issues between spouses after marriage. Sort these before tying the knot.
OVERALL SCORE
Mostly (a)
You are a good financial match and if all personal parameters also align well, you are headed for a happy married life and a smooth financial journey.
Mostly (b)
You may face a few bumps in your financial life after marriage, but nothing that could lead to serious conflicts or a break-up. However, you will need to work on the grey areas that have the potential of derailing your finances.
Mostly (c)
You are headed for a disastrous married life if finances are any indication. Unless you can resolve your money differences during the dating phase, say goodbye to your valentine at the earliest.
