There are lots of things to consider when bringing your relationship with your significant other to the next level, and the engagement ring is high up on that list. For a purchase that’s supposed to last a lifetime, you can expect to spend a significant amount, but figuring out exactly how much to set aside for the ring can be tricky. We’ve rounded up some suggestions to guide you on determining your engagement ring budget.
What Are You Looking to Buy?
Determining how much you can spend directly relates to what type of ring you’re buying, so it’s important to either know your beloved’s taste and style or to take them along for the ride. If buying an engagement ring is something you plan on doing together, you can loosely discuss a budget ahead of time and solidify the costs once you start the process of shopping. Remember this: not everyone dreams of big diamonds, and, especially in today’s society, tastes have become more varied and less traditional. Check out this post to help you choose more affordable and contemporary styles that might be better for both your spouse-to-be and your wallet.
How Much Should You Really Spend?
You’ve probably heard the rumor that one should spend at least two months’ salary on an engagement ring, but for many, that just isn’t practical. When choosing an engagement ring, it’s important to strike a balance between spending enough to buy a good quality ring that will last a very long time and spending so much that you won’t have a budget for the wedding and the honeymoon. The best thing to do is to take a step back and look at the big picture. A wedding – whether you elope or not – can be costly, and an engagement ring should be factored in to those costs. It’s also important to keep in mind that even if you get something that is smaller or costs less than you might like, you can always upgrade the ring down the road.
Can You Put It On a Credit Card?
If you know you have a steady enough income that will allow you to make payments on time, do consider purchasing the ring using a line of credit from your bank or a low-interest credit card. Should you decide to make the purchase via a store that offers their own credit, be sure to do all the research you can first before committing to something that might cause you trouble down the road. And if you sign up for one of those “six months, interest-free” deals, be sure to read the fine print before signing on any contract that involves money. Using the ring to boost your credit score will come in handy when it comes time for the two of you to go house hunting in the near future.