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This could give you the motivation you need to focus on your finances.
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When we think of ways to attract a new partner, changing our financial habits probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But a recent Bread Financial survey shows that certain financial behaviors do make people more attractive to other singles. Here’s a look at the three most-cited activities that increase a person’s financial attractiveness.
1. Paying credit card bills on time
Over half of singles surveyed listed paying credit card bills on time as a financially attractive behavior. This makes sense when you consider the effect that on-time credit card payments have on your credit score and your finances.
Payment history is the single-most important factor in determining your credit score, and lenders look at this when deciding whether to work with you and what kind of interest rate to charge you. Regular, on-time payments can boost your credit score or help keep it high, but even a single late payment can drop your score by over 100 points.
Failing to pay your credit card bill on time also leads to late fees and interest charges. This increases your balance — sometimes significantly, depending on the card’s interest rate. These extra costs could make it more difficult for you to pay back what you owe, resulting in a stressful debt cycle that could last for years.
Whether you’re searching for a partner or not, paying all your bills on time is best if you’re able to do it. Set up automatic payments or create reminders for yourself so you don’t forget. If you think a payment is going to be late, reach out to the creditor to discuss your options. And if you have credit card debt, make repaying it a top priority.
2. Having a financial planner
A little over a quarter of singles liked the idea of a prospective partner working with a financial planner. This might be because it indicates that the person is forward-looking and focused on saving for their future.
Financial planners can help people prioritize and work toward their long-term goals, and they may help them choose investments as well. These services come at a cost, but many are willing to pay, especially if they lack the time or the confidence to make these decisions for themselves.
But it’s important to note that you don’t need a financial planner in order to successfully save for your long-term goals. It’s never been easier to educate yourself about how to invest or the best accounts for your money. If you’re willing to learn, you could save yourself the cost of a financial planner.
3. Tracking sales and using coupons
About 26% of singles surveyed said they consider it attractive if their partner pays attention to sales and uses coupons to save money. This indicates a frugal mindset and suggests that the person thinks through their financial decisions carefully.
It’s not too difficult to start doing this if you haven’t already. You can conduct an internet search for online coupons for just about any store, and your local newspaper may also have coupons for groceries or local businesses.
You can stay up to date on upcoming sales by subscribing to the mailing lists for retailers you frequent. Some may also send exclusive offers through these emails. Paying attention to online and newspaper ads can also help you identify savings opportunities.
Ultimately, everyone has their own preferences in a romantic partner, and the things above will matter more to some people than others. But they’re not bad habits to develop, even if you don’t plan to enter a relationship anytime soon. By making these moves a part of your financial routine, you could find yourself with more cash to spare.
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