Instead of just sticking to surface-level questions during the dating period, it's really important to dig a bit deeper and see if you're financially compatible with your partner. To help you with that, we’ve put together a list of eight key financial red flags you should keep an eye on:

1. Lack of Transparency

What it Looks Like: Your partner is secretive about their finances, avoids discussing money, or gets defensive when you bring up financial topics.

Why it’s a Red Flag: Open communication about finances is key to a healthy relationship. If one partner is hiding their financial situation, it could lead to mistrust and significant issues down the line.

2. Disparities in Financial Values

What it Looks Like: You and your partner have very different attitudes toward money, such as one being a spender and the other a saver.

Why it’s a Red Flag: While differences can be managed, drastically different financial values can create conflict, especially when it comes to long-term goals like buying a home or saving for retirement.

3. Debt Denial or Irresponsibility

What it Looks Like: Your partner has significant debt but refuses to address it, downplays its importance, or continuously racks up new debt without a plan to pay it off.

Why it’s a Red Flag: Debt can be a serious burden in a relationship, especially if one partner is not taking responsibility for it. This can impact your joint financial future.

4. Uncontrolled Spending Habits

What it Looks Like: Your partner frequently makes impulsive purchases or lives beyond their means without considering the financial consequences.

Why it’s a Red Flag: Uncontrolled spending can lead to financial instability, stress, and resentment in a relationship. It's crucial to have aligned spending habits or at least a mutual understanding of them.

5. Avoidance of Financial Planning

What it Looks Like: Your partner avoids discussing or planning for the future, whether it’s budgeting, saving for big goals, or retirement planning.

Why it’s a Red Flag: A lack of financial planning can hinder your ability to build a secure future together. If one partner is unwilling to plan, it may indicate a lack of commitment to the relationship's long-term success.

6. Financial Control or Manipulation

What it Looks Like: Your partner tries to control how you spend your money, restricts your access to financial resources, or uses money as a tool of manipulation.

Why it’s a Red Flag: Financial control is a form of abuse. It can lead to power imbalance in the relationship and limit your independence.

7. Inconsistent Financial Behaviour

What it Looks Like: Your partner’s financial behaviour is erratic or unpredictable, such as alternating between periods of frugality and reckless spending.

Why it’s a Red Flag: Inconsistent behaviour can make it difficult to plan for the future and can lead to financial instability.

8. Frequent Financial "Emergencies"

What it Looks Like: Your partner often experiences "unexpected" financial crises, leading to repeated borrowing or financial strain.

Why it’s a Red Flag: While occasional emergencies are normal, frequent crises could indicate poor financial management or a lack of foresight.

Being aware of these red flags can help you address potential issues early and build stronger, more transparent relationships. Remember, financial compatibility is just one piece of the puzzle, but it's an important one for a healthy relationship.