Your Dating Life and your Money

It shouldn't come as a shock that when you become involved in a relationship there is a real and substantial impact on your personal finances. And I don't just mean that you now have to buy anniversary and birthday gifts (or, in the case of my ex-wife, she demanded "monthiversary" gifts. Ouch).

Your partner's spending and saving habits are going to affect you directly. One of my favorite quotes from the Wall Street Journal is:

"Whether you wind up with a nest egg or a goose egg depends on the kind of chick you married."

 Sorry ladies. The quote is obviously geared towards men, but the principle is the same either way. Having a serious talk about finances before things get too serious may not be the most romantic of conversations, but it is vital to your own financial health.

Don't compromise your financial future. You will both be happier with that nest egg when you need it than with a monthly bauble that she'll soon forget.