By mature dating, we are not talking only about senior dating. This article is really aimed at those people who have a marriage in their history and certainly some serious long term relationships. The age range is about 30 upward (and it includes seniors too), maybe you. So, you are now dating for the first time in many years, and the scenery has changed.
You are seeking out dating tips and advice, maybe from friends and also online. There are many things to consider in the online dating world if you are just joining it. This article will deal with the financial aspects.
Ok, suppose that you have joined an online dating agency and have set up a focused online dating profile with a good photograph. You are starting to email, phone and correspond with people. Maybe you have already met someone you are taking a shine to. But have you tried to picture where the relationship will go? Perhaps you see yourself buying a new home with someone, and look forward to a stable, happy and loving new relationship.
However, have you thought about the real financial issues you may face?
Things to think about include:
- Will you combine your assets or keep them separate? It is not only a question of trust, but also of balance. What if one person?s assets are significantly more than the other?s.
- How will you split household bills ? should the person with the live-in children pay more, or will bills be shared equally?
- How will you apportion the cost of family vacations?
- What will the children think about their ?inheritance? when another person comes into your life and theirs?
- Who pays for fixing the autos?
- Will you write a joint will and testament? What are the potential consequences of each option?
- Will you be legal and formal, setting up a pre-nup agreement? If not, then think about a simple written statement of how joint assets (they will need to be identified) will be split should the relationship not work out. And what if you have built a business together. More complexity equals more need for a pre-nup.
- What about credit card/charge card debts? Will you have joint charge cards?
- Will you have a joint current/checking account at the bank?
- What about life insurance and pension arrangements? How will a joint policy be split (sometimes is makes sense to have 2 smaller ones ? much easier if you split)
- What happens if one of you loses their job or becomes incapacitated with no income?
Why am I raising these issues? Well, when you are younger and starting out on your first serious live-together relationship (and mature dating is something old folks do), then joint assets are usually relatively lower and there is less lock-in to a structure such as you might have later in life (unless of course either of you is lucky to have been born into a wealthy family).
When you are on the second or third time round, most people have a bit more to lose, and a more complex financial web to manage.
If you don?t think about these issues in advance, then in the excitement of mature dating and a new relationship it is possible to get carried away. Then, a few years later you find yourself wishing that you had prepared for this unfortunate eventuality.
It is a good idea to set yourself a checkpoint (or two) at which you will discuss these aspects with your new partner. One good checkpoint is before you decide to move in together. Before that though, there will be other checkpoints ? for example when you change the auto/car insurance so that each can drive the other?s car.
Most reasonable people will probably hold the same view, but if there is an objection to dealing with these issues clearly (and ideally in writing ? it focuses the mind), then stand back and pause, as this could be a warning signal.
The golden rule is ?Hope for the best and plan for the worst?.
The Online Dating Guide at online dating guide has been written by Phil and his friends, with a total of over 20 years online dating experience between us. And before you ask, yes, some of us have successfully found new partners through online dating.
If you are looking for a site which specialises in mature dating, then mature match is just that. Thousands of members, and remember, more members equals more choice. That translates to more chance of success!