When people are looking to get into a relationship, they usually look for someone with similar interests and values. But, their shared interests rarely go as far their wallets.

People tend to attract opposites when it comes to money. Spenders attract savers and savers attract spenders.

With Valentine’s Day this weekend, let’s look at what you should be asking yourself so you can attract someone with similar money values.

First, you need to know what money type of person you are.

Are you someone who…

• Has a budget or spending plan?
• Maps out what your financial goals are and how to get there?
• Carefully considers whether you need an item before buying?

Are you a spender or a saver? An impulse buyer or comparison shopper? Are you somewhere between the two extremes? You need to figure this out before you get into a relationship with someone. Then, you need to find out the other person’s money type.

If you don’t, you’ve doomed your relationship to endless arguments about money. If one of you has come into the relationship with great credit, no debt and their finances well thought out, and the other person has substantial debt with past due accounts and no savings, then that is a sign that you have very different philosophies about money.

Money arguments can destroy a relationship no matter how many similar interests you share. You need to add “money philosophy” to the list of qualities you’re looking for in a relationship. Money and credit will often be the determining factor in whether you can reach your dreams and survive unexpected emergencies.