Don't ask 'How much do you make?' on a date—use these 7 questions instead to reveal their 'financial mindset'

Dating is full of tiny money moments: choosing a restaurant, talking about travel, splitting a check, and deciding whether a gift is “too much.”

You don’t need to ask someone how much they make, what their net worth is, or how much student loan debt they carry to learn how they approach money and what kind of financial partner they might be.

Talking about money with a potential partner is never just about money. It’s about values, habits, and expectations around how someone thinks a “team” should work.

On your first few dates with someone, can you imagine actually asking, “How much do you make?” Or, “What’s your net worth?” I wouldn’t be surprised if they excused themselves to the restroom and didn’t come back.

The irony is, those questions aren’t even the best way to get at what you’re trying to learn. Someone can earn a lot and still feel financially unstable. Someone can earn less but have excellent systems, habits, and boundaries.