Estimated reading time: 13 minutes
A money-smart woman is an attractive asset when finding a compatible partner. Men understand this mindset for lasting relationships.
We can add the value of “financially stable” or money smart to the traits men seek in a woman while romancing a relationship.
I’ve blogged about finding a frugal man in the past, but today, I want to focus on men finding a woman with the same financial mindset.
Financially Smart Women Finish Wealthy
It may seem like the bottom of the barrel for most of you, but for those men who value money, they last want a partner to blow it all away.
This is where it’s essential to be compatible regarding wants, needs, and desires and why communication is so important.
It doesn’t matter if you are a stay-at-home mom, wife, or a career woman.
The money becomes one when you tie the knot.
This is why some men are cautious about who they choose to date, and for good reason.
If a man finds his woman is spending too much money, leaving them stuck to pay the bills or unable to save it can cause a significant strain on the relationship.
What Does It Mean To Be Money-Smart?
Some men want to weed out the spenders and welcome the savers because they know that a life with little to no debt means less financial worry and stress.
On the flip side, some women are just as cautious.
I often say you can love fashion, make-up, entertainment, and things that make you happy when you spend money, but in the end, someone is paying the bill.
I get many searches on Canadian Budget Binder seeking advice about spouses spending too much money.
It can become a deal breaker in a relationship where the guy puts the brakes on.
Sometimes it happens after marriage and can become a great source of stress, especially if the couple is not communicating their feelings.
Whether the woman works or not, men may desire her to be money-smart because how else will they provide stability for each other in the relationship?
Not Everyone Is Money-Smart
Mind you, not every man is money-smart either.
I’m talking on behalf of the men who are very cautious with their money.
These men want to ensure that the women they date will not venture through the mall every week.
Do men like intelligent women? Well, I’m sure they do, but what they like more is a woman who doesn’t blow money before it’s even made.
I was never particularly interested in a woman who didn’t know how to save or stay out of debt.
That wouldn’t have worked in my relationship world because I was raised to understand money from a young age, which framed my views on finance.
The Ideal Woman
You don’t have to be drop-dead gorgeous with a 6-figure income, but financial common sense goes a long way for people of all genders.
A good personality is just as important as responsibility for money or a drive to be successful at something they are passionate about.
Show off that ambition because it’s sexy.
You may have a passion for hobbies such as gardening, cooking, blogging, or even your career, and that’s what it’s all about, not just earning money. Passion.
Every man has their “Ideal Woman,” I can bet you that going into debt for love isn’t a priority, although some people don’t mind taking on someone else’s debt when dating.
Marrying Into Debt
I know some of you may think I’m too harsh on those with debt, but there are different types of debt, and how they are created is just as crucial to how they will be paid back.
When you marry someone, you marry their debt, so if you don’t plan to spend your life working a bit harder to pay for something you had no part in, that’s your decision.
Educational debt is a good debt that will likely help someone land the career they dream of, which means the money is a part of generating income for the family.
That is provided they use the degree or diploma in the intended field.
A while back, I wrote a popular blog post for women about how to spot a sexy, frugal man because there are women who want a money-smart man.
They want the comfort of knowing they aren’t sitting in a meeting waiting for the consolidated debt or bankruptcy talk further down the road.
This post sparked the interest of a man who emailed me about how to go about looking for a sexy, frugal woman.
He had lots of cash but was sick of the money-hungry women who would use him to buy stuff for them.
I didn’t explain how to find them, which I wanted to do today.
What Do Men Value In A Partner?
Just because someone is successful doesn’t mean they are money-smart. Plenty of high earners blow money just as fast as they obtain it.
So, how can you connect with a money-smart woman without appearing shallow and money-hungry?
It’s not about money or hunger but more about the future and finding someone compatible with your financial views.
Money is a colossal relationship topic, and many people on a date make that one topic they take on early on in the dating game.
It’s 2016, money is tight, debt loads are higher, raises are slim, and jobs are hard to come by.
There’s no point continuing if finding a money-smart partner is high up on your list or even tops your list.
You won’t be happy, and it will simply end in disaster.
Don’t fool yourself. It’s not easy to change money habits, but it is possible.
The problem is most people don’t care to stick around to find out.
It’s probably best because there’s no sense in building a heart of love and then crushing emotions.
What you value in a partner may differ from someone else, but some may be similar.
If I ask you if you’d like a money-smart partner and you say no, I’d be shocked.
Remember, it has nothing to do with how much money you earn; it’s how you save it.
You can be trustworthy, reliable, friendly, energetic, flexible, relaxed, organized, emotionally stable, and curious, but financial stability should be factored in before the relationship begins.
Maybe you have fallen for someone horrible with money and unsure how to deal with it.
There’s no easy answer apart from continuing with the relationship and taking what comes your way or backing away.
Be honest and let her know why.
Financial Education If They Are Open To It
Maybe you can work on her spending and saving habits while being friends first, or if it doesn’t work out, at least you have a new friend for life.
Teach her how to budget and find ways to inspire her to save if she is interested.
You can’t force finance on anyone and don’t want to make them feel guilty for debt, so choose your words wisely.
Not everyone is in debt because they spend more money than somebody else.
You must be happy with yourself before giving yourself to another human being.
I believe this wholeheartedly.
Related: Get our free budget download and start saving money for life
The Ideal Partner Is Hit Or Miss
Let’s talk about ways a man can spot or chat up a money-smart woman who is not cheap but money-conscious with a sense of debt freedom.
Remember, this is hit or miss, but it will give you a good idea of what might happen with her pocketbook.
Your best route is always through communication.
Thrift Stores Are Not Off The Table
Just because someone is shopping at the thrift store doesn’t mean they are in debt or not money-smart.
Thrift stores are fabulous for finding antiques and other vintage and used items for far less than you can retail.
When I see a woman shopping at a second-hand shop, I immediately think she is mindful of her money either because it is limited or she wants to pay less than retail.
That’s money-smart to me. Again, it’s not about being rich or poor.
Money smart is a state of mind, not what your account balance says.
A woman doesn’t have to have every one of these traits below to be considered money-smart.
She may have one, two, or a few, but you must decide what’s most important.
Whether you chat with a woman you meet in public or have been introduced to, you can learn all you need to know by watching for signs.
Asking the right questions and sharing personal experiences often encourages her to talk.
She may find out you are money-smart and run because you are not the man she is looking for.
You may also find she doesn’t care if you blow money and have debt, which is fine if you both accept this going into the relationship.
Think long-term, and don’t walk in with just your heart attached to your sleeve, either.
No Shame In Buying Reduced or Sale Products
There’s nothing wrong with buying products at the grocery store that are reduced in price, blow-out sales, or using coupons and coupon apps.
All of these money-saving outlets scream money-smart woman.
I know many women who love the thrill of saving money at the grocery store.
Related: How much should my grocery budget be?
I also know women who could care less about grocery shopping and walk out with massive food bills.
Next to the mortgage/rent and a vehicle, if you own one, the grocery budget is one of the highest of them all.
Get that grocery budget under control, and you can funnel money into other areas of your budget.
Mobile Phone Attachment
Nothing speaks volumes more than a woman not attached to her smartphone.
Everyone you see, young and old, has their heads buried in their cell phone.
If a woman says they don’t own a mobile phone or limit her social media use, that’s a bonus.
Related: Does a smartphone control your life?
Remember that some women don’t have a home phone but a mobile phone, so it’s not a deal breaker unless she ignores you.
You also may want to consider that she has a cell phone from her employer, which is paid for.
Ask leading questions to find the burning answers you want.
Simple And Elegant
I find women who are simple by how they dress and do their hair, make-up, and nails to be more on the less maintenance side.
Less means fewer trips to spend money to keep up with the ongoing fashion “look” with the latest trends.
There’s a fine line between sexy, simple and elegant.
Find a balance and make it work, especially if you can find what compliments you at a bargain price.
Money Smart Women Chat About Finance
If you meet a woman in public for the first time and the topic of money somehow pops up, take that opportunity and run with it.
You don’t know her, but feed off her questions and answers and see how much you can learn about her financial smarts.
Typically, if a woman has no problem talking to you about money and finances openly, you can bet she is interested in keeping debt at bay and growing her savings.
Utilizes Library Services
I don’t know what it is about people who buy books besides they don’t have to wait to read them as the library may only get one copy.
That and it may take some time to hit the library shelf. I see people who have tonnes of books that they bought at Chapters for ridiculous amounts of money when they could have likely borrowed one for free that would have satisfied their craving for reading.
My mum reads at least a book every few days, and she either buys them for under $.50 each, gets them accessible, gives them to her, or borrows them from the library.
When I see a woman in the library, I find her attractive and intelligent and know that she likely has patience because reading brings you to a whole other place of calmness.
Maybe I’m reading too much into the library ideal, but this is how I view it.
A Money-Smart Woman Owns A Home
This is not a deal breaker by any means. When you are single, owning a home, whether a condo, townhouse, or detached, is a good sign that you are money-smart.
I’m not just talking about paying your bills but having the ability to secure a mortgage, pay city taxes, and maintain the home. You don’t have these expenses when you rent.
If you don’t pay the rent, you get kicked out. If you don’t pay your mortgage, you can lose everything.
Remember that she may have inherited or was given money on the premise that she will pay it back.
If someone trusted her to lend her money to help her get a house, she likely has reasonable financial sense.
Related: Is it better to rent or own a house?
You might meet a woman who is money-smart but rents because she has no intention of ever owning a home because she doesn’t want to.
It’s essential to find out what matters to you most, and if you want to own a home, then you need to know her feelings before moving on in the relationship.
Date Ideas Are Not About Dollar Signs
People of all genders should be treated equally and according to what they can afford.
There’s no point in spoiling a woman if you can’t afford it.
Teasing a woman with money you don’t have is not an intelligent way to start a potential relationship, especially if she is a spender or always likes to be pampered.
These days, it’s not just the man who comes up with ideas on where to go for a date.
The woman has just as much say, and if she chimes in with wanting to go for dinner at a family restaurant, a beach walk, and coffee, she may be a keeper.
If she wants to visit a high-end couples spa followed by the opera and a pricey restaurant, you may want to tap into her financial mindset to see how vital the frosted life is to her.
You may find this is too much for you and call it quits unless you have the money to keep it going.
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t worry about her blowing cash, either. It’s still very critical.
If It Feels Right, Then Take A Chance
Nothing in life is inevitable, but you can pave the way when you say yes or no to dating a woman who is or isn’t money-smart.
Use your communication skills to the highest level, don’t be shy, and remember you are in charge of your financial destiny.
It’s your choice. Do what works for you, and never settle for less if your gut feeling tells you it’s not what you desire.
Would you want a woman who is money-smart?
Please Note: If you have a question you’d like me to read and answer, please email me at canadianbudgetbinder@yahoo.ca or use my contact form on the blog. Thanks
Good tips! I know I wouldn’t have gotten where I am today without being on the same financial page as my hubs.
Thanks for sharing Catherine. Both of you have done very well and needed to be especially with his massive medical expenses for school. You have one heck of a story. You should write a book about how far you’ve all come as a little family.
I really appreciate your website and think you have fantastic frugal tips. That being said, I am disappointed in how men and women are pretty stereotyped in this article, as both men and women can like fashion and shopping and be a drain on the other’s finances. I am also sad that the assumption is that a partnership is between a man and a woman. Canada broke ground in legalizing same-sex marriage–why not just talk about partnerships between people of different financial styles?
Thanks for your feedback I appreciate that Dani and no assumptions as we are good friends with a few same sex couples. I’m glad you enjoy reading CBB. Have a lovely weekend. 🙂
Your blog is really excellent. It inspires the readers who have that great desire to lead a better and happier life. Thanks for sharing this information and hope to read more from you. Great information…
Thanks Jennifer I appreciate the feedback. Mr.CBB
I think the article is a touch sexist as the same could be applied to the other gender.
One thing to mention is if the other party has learned from their mistakes and is making an effort, that earns respect in my books.
Good write-up!
Hi,
The post is specific about women but yes it can be for both men and women which I touch on in the post. I did write an article that was just as popular about how to spot a frugal man. Check it out and thanks for stopping by!