Expensive Dave,
I’m 24, and I wish to purchase an engagement ring. I plan on asking my girlfriend to marry me inside a month, and I used to be questioning how a lot I ought to spend on the ring. I make $85,000 a 12 months, and I’ve no debt. By way of financial savings and retirement, I’ve acquired about $40,000 in a high-yield account, plus $10,000 in a 401(okay).
Hayden
Expensive Hayden,
That’s superior! You’ve acquired an excellent begin in life too primarily based on the figures you gave me. Congratulations on all of your success.
Now, let’s get right down to the enterprise of shopping for a hoop. How a lot do you have to spend? People within the jewellery shops will let you know three months’ earnings. Don’t hearken to them. One month’s earnings is lots. There’s nothing improper with a inexpensive ring while you two are simply beginning out. And extra importantly, there’s no correlation between the dimensions of the ring and the likelihood of the wedding being successful. Excessive-quality marriages aren’t primarily based on the dimensions and worth of the engagement ring.
The day I requested my spouse to marry me, the diamond I placed on her finger was only a speck. You virtually needed to squint to see it. We’ve upgraded that one considerably since, however we’re in a lot better form financially. Now she’s acquired a headlight she will put on on her finger. That’s what you get while you’re prepared to place up with me for 43 years.
Final thing, ensure you store round before you purchase. Be taught a bit bit about diamonds first. And don’t fall for the outdated line about diamonds being an “funding.” They’re not. Most diamonds, particularly normal mined diamonds purchased at retail, don’t go up in worth and sometimes lose important worth as quickly as you purchase them. Now, really uncommon, high-quality, and pure fancy-colored diamonds can respect over time because of their excessive demand and restricted provide. However that’s a unique story.
Better of luck, Hayden. I hope the younger woman in your life says sure, and I hope you’ve lengthy, glad lives collectively!
— Dave
Dave Ramsey is an eight-time nationwide bestselling writer, private finance skilled, and host of “The Ramsey Present.” He has appeared on “Good Morning America,” “CBS This Morning,” “Right this moment,” Fox Information, CNN, Fox Enterprise, and plenty of extra. Since 1992, Dave has helped individuals regain management of their cash, construct wealth, and improve their lives. He additionally serves as CEO of Ramsey Options and is the writer of quite a few books together with Child Steps Millionaires: How Atypical Individuals Constructed Extraordinary Wealth–and How You Can Too.
