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. When it comes to financial savings and retirement, I’ve acquired about $40,000 in a high-yield account, plus $10,000 in a 401(ok).
Hayden
Expensive Hayden,
That’s superior! You’ve acquired an ideal 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 take heed to them. One month’s earnings is loads. There’s nothing flawed with a inexpensive ring if you two are simply beginning out. And extra importantly, there’s no correlation between the scale of the ring and the likelihood of the wedding being successful. Excessive-quality marriages aren’t primarily based on the scale 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 be able to put on on her finger. That’s what you get if you’re keen to place up with me for 43 years.
Final thing, be sure you store round before you purchase. Study slightly bit about diamonds first. And don’t fall for the outdated line about diamonds being an “funding.” They’re not. Most diamonds, particularly customary mined diamonds purchased at retail, don’t go up in worth and sometimes lose important worth as quickly as you purchase them. Now, actually uncommon, high-quality, and pure fancy-colored diamonds can admire over time on account 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, completely happy lives collectively!
— Dave
Dave Ramsey is an eight-time nationwide bestselling creator, private finance professional, and host of “The Ramsey Present.” He has appeared on “Good Morning America,” “CBS This Morning,” “As we speak,” Fox Information, CNN, Fox Enterprise, and lots 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 creator of quite a few books together with Child Steps Millionaires: How Abnormal Folks Constructed Extraordinary Wealth–and How You Can Too.
