After just coming out of a break up where I invested a LOT more financially into our relationship, I feel quite cautious. I was overly generous and from the outside it does look like I was taken for a ride financially. Situations like this often make us question a lot of aspects of our life, especially our finances. It’s very important to protect yourself financially and I’ve learned a lot over the past month and thought I’d share some tips as well as a great infographic.
1) Only Spend What You’re Happy to “Throw Away”
When you’re dating it’s easy to get wrapped up in the love bubble. I did, majorly. I subsidised my ex’s life considerably including buying him an iPad and a Macbook Air. Oh, love. Beyond that I also paid for the majority of his life for our entire relationship, including Internet, power, food and petrol in my car when he used it. I lent him money he still owes and will probably always owe. In hindsight, I shouldn’t have been so generous and it’s hard to think about the $10,000s of dollars I spent on this person. Of course you shouldn’t go into a relationship expecting it to fall to pieces, but be mindful of HOW generous you are and only be as generous as you’re prepared to ‘lose’. While I’m grateful for the experiences and lessons learned, that money would have been much better off invested!
