Thursday, June 17, 2010

Love don't cost a thing

But shoes? That's an entirely different matter.

Glamour offers some interesting tidbits from the American Express Spending & Saving Tracker, a survey that reveals public opinions about finances.

Among the interesting relationship-related items: $249 is the average threshold at which young professional couples need to consult their partner before making a purchase.

Accurate? Too high? Too low?

The post doesn't specify whether the $249 figure applies to couples who are married, dating or both. Naturally, it would apply to married people, since that's when you're more likely to share finances.

But some daters expect a level of financial consultation, too.

Your significant other's $250 electronics purchase often means you won't be treated to dinner soon and vacations might briefly be put on hiatus.

So weigh in: If you and your partner don't share a checking account -- and you're not married -- do you still have an obligation to consult each other before making big purchases?