Surprising Relationship Dealbreakers
The next time someone approaches you in a bar and asks for your digits, they may not be after your phone number. For those seeking a soul mate, the following financial deal breakers may surprise you.
The next time someone approaches you in a bar asking for your digits, they may not be after your phone number. For those seeking a soul mate, the following financial deal breakers may surprise you.
Low Credit Score
According to a new study by FreeCreditReport.com, about 30% of women and 20% of men surveyed won’t marry someone with a bad score. Because credit scores are proving more important these days, singles are ever concerned that their partner’s low score could negatively impact their ability to buy a home or car. A low score could also signal a lot of debt.
Lack of Fiscal Responsibility
Many respondents say financial responsibility is way more important than physical attractiveness.
Twenty-nine-year old Christine knows exactly how money can ruin a relationship. Her ex-boyfriend hid his financial problems for months, ultimately leaving her with a broken heart and $1,000 in unpaid bills. “We moved in together and everything was going really well,” says Christine “We had wonderful dates together, we went on a vacation and then it came time to pay the rent and he was like ‘Oh! Yea, I don’t have that.’” When her boyfriend couldn’t get his fiscal act together, Christine broke it off.
High Debt
Next, the type of debt your beloved carries could get in the way as well. Student loans, for example, aren’t really considered “good debt ” anymore. That’s because they’re next to impossible to eliminate in bankruptcy and the amount of student loan debt in this country has actually surpassed credit card balances. On the other hand, filing bankruptcy can help to minimize or eliminate credit card debt debt, along with medical bills and collection agency accounts. It’s something to think about if you’re building a financial future with someone else.
Earning More
For women, earning more than a male partner could also be a financial deal breaker. A 25-year-study released in the Journal of Family Issues, found that women were more likely to get divorced when they earned 60% or more of the family’s income.
Back on the dating scene, Christine is better prepared for finding Mr. Right now that she knows her relationship deal breakers.
“What I’m looking for right now is not somebody with a ton of money. I just want somebody who’s responsible and driven and trust is really big…Had my ex trusted to tell me sooner that he was having money problems, we could have worked through it,” she says.