Love Don’t Cost a Thing—But Are They Broke? 5 Money Questions To Ask On A First Date

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The dating pool might have a little pee in it these days, but that doesn’t mean your financially responsible prince isn’t out there. You can filter through the frogs by asking the right money questions and no, we’re not asking anyone to whip out their banking app.

In this day and age, where social media drives a lot of the conversations around finances, it can make you want to bow out of the love game altogether. Money is undoubtedly the trickiest subject to bring up on a first date, so how can you possibly talk about it without killing the vibe? Thankfully we’ve curated the perfect batch of insightful (but chill) questions to ask your prospective boo!

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1. What would you do if you won the lottery or inherited a lot of money suddenly?

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This question may sound cute and fun, but it’s a stealthy way to get a read on how someone would manage their funds if they had the means to do so. This question prompts your date to speak about things they may want to take care of financially, like student loans or credit card debt. It could also reveal their long-term goals, like buying a house. But this query could also tell you that their priorities lean more toward wastefulness on lavish items, which could be a sign to slow down.

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2. Are You More Of A Spender Or A Saver?

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Again, keeping it light but direct. Although the ideal answer would be saver, if they say spender, this question allows you to ask about the items they splurge the most money on. Is it eating out, shoes, or life insurance? This question helps you understand what they prioritize and can open up a deeper conversation.

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3. What’s The Most Money You’ve Ever Spent At One Time?

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This question is a great way to gauge whether the person sitting across from you has similar financial values as you. If you view buying a car or home as important while they feel that investing a similar amount in watches or shoes is just as vital, you may not be financially compatible. This discussion can expose how they go about managing large amounts of money.

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4. Do You Keep An Emergency Savings Fund?

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An emergency fund is a cushion of cash explicitly designed for surprise expenses. It comes in handy if you lose your job or need a sudden repair. It’s one thing to have savings, but an emergency savings fund is extra savings that can be difficult to carve out of your budget. So, if they have one, this tells you they’re thinking ahead and have the means to create a cash reserve.

5. What Are Your Long-Term Goals?

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In the words of Love Island winner Serena Page, long-term goals are your goals, long term, and if he doesn’t have any, he might not be your Kordell. This question is general enough for you to get a read on what they want in their future, which is always good to know. It also allows you to see if it aligns with your path. This question is a winner because not only does it help you understand them better as a whole, but you also learn what they’re working with financially.

Dating can be hard, but these questions can make the journey to love a little easier. Being financially incompatible can really put a wedge in a relationship, so don’t be afraid to get the answers you need early on. It’ll save you a ton of headaches—and possibly money too!—down the road.

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5 Money Questions To Ask On A 1st Date