HAVE you experienced spending beyond your budget because of dating? You want to pursue your special someone and yet feel like you are spending too much and it is not sustainable? If you’ve experienced those things, this article is for you.
When I was a student my allowance was just for my daily needs, but when I started working I enjoyed my salary. It allowed me to bless my family and others. I began to buy a better set of clothes that helped me be more presentable. For food, not being a fan of eating in expensive restaurants, I just ate based on quality serving, not merely for the ambiance. And so I diligently saved some of my income every payday, which I think majority of men can relate to.
During courtship, I realized that I want to serve my former girlfriend—now my wife—with the best way I can. My expenses adjusted and I began to wonder if I should always bring her to an expensive restaurant to get her “Sweet YES” or just be true to her, as just a normal guy. I occasionally sprang some surprises for her, which added to my normal budget. I struggled at first, but then along the way I realized the following principles which helped me become wise in my expenditures.
“You can pursue and date someone while being wise in preparing for your future.”
Here are my top 4 dating tips which I also learned from my mentors and friends:
1. Be excellent, not extravagant. As a guy, one may think that to get her yes, one should always put his best foot forward. This is not really necessary; being the real you is better with the goal to lead, serve and protect her.
2. Research and observe. With the help of our family, friends and the Internet, we can now look for promos and restaurants that are good but not pricy. Sometimes we may eat in just simple places. What’s important is the meaningful time between the two of you.
3. Value memories over things. As you serve your special someone, it is good to know her likes and dislikes, strengths and weaknesses and to even celebrate your differences. Your partner will surely appreciate your gifts but more than that, she will appreciate your efforts and thoughtfulness in giving surprises, letters and even in bringing her into different places.
4. Be creative. Because of this pandemic, there are a lot of restrictions in going out so if you can prepare your own food, go for it. Study recipes in the Internet; instead of buying expensive gifts, try to create personalized gifts. You can save a lot of money and because of that, you can even have additional funds for your future. This season, a lot of couples got married, and creativity is one of the aspects that can help us grow our finances for such long-term endeavors as weddings.
I personally experienced the effect of financial planning during courtship, engagement season and now that we are married. Do not be afraid to discuss finances with your family and special someone as we start 2021. Budget together, save for your future, get protected from life’s risk and invest for your future and your children’s future as well.
In reality, dating or pursuing someone may mean added cost to us. But at the end of the day, we can be secured that the One who holds our future will guide and provide for us. Our Lord will give us wisdom in our decisions with the help also of the people around us in building our future.
Aside from these principles, if you are planning to get married, I would like to encourage you with this verse: Proverbs 18:22 He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favour from the Lord.
God’s favor will also overflow from the time we acted in faith to serve someone who will be our spouse. His provision for us is not limited in our salary or profit but it will come in different forms through people and unexpected circumstances. Life will be more fruitful if we will become faithful in small things; eventually God will entrust us with greater things.
Karlo Biglang-Awa is a registered financial planner of RFP Philippines. To learn more about personal-financial planning, attend the 88th RFP program this March 2021. To inquire, e-mail [email protected] or text at 0917-6248110.
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