There’s Nothing Mistaken with an Cheap Starter Ring

Expensive Dave,
I’m 24, and I wish to purchase an engagement ring. I plan on asking my girlfriend to marry me inside a month, and I used to be questioning how a lot I ought to spend on the ring. I make $85,000 a yr, and I’ve no debt. When it comes to financial savings and retirement, I’ve bought about $40,000 in a high-yield account, plus $10,000 in a 401(okay).
Hayden

Expensive Hayden,
That’s superior! You’ve bought a terrific begin in life too based mostly on the figures you gave me. Congratulations on all of your success.

Now, let’s get right down to the enterprise of shopping for a hoop. How a lot must you spend? Of us within the jewellery shops will inform you three months’ revenue. Don’t hearken to them. One month’s revenue is lots. There’s nothing mistaken with a inexpensive ring once you two are simply beginning out. And extra importantly, there’s no correlation between the dimensions of the ring and the likelihood of the wedding being successful. High-quality marriages aren’t based mostly on the dimensions and worth of the engagement ring.

The day I requested my spouse to marry me, the diamond I placed on her finger was only a speck. You virtually needed to squint to see it. We’ve upgraded that one considerably since, however we’re in a lot better form financially. Now she’s bought a headlight she will be able to put on on her finger. That’s what you get once you’re prepared to place up with me for 43 years.

Final thing, ensure you store round before you purchase. Be taught a bit bit about diamonds first. And don’t fall for the outdated line about diamonds being an “funding.” They’re not. Most diamonds, particularly normal mined diamonds purchased at retail, don’t go up in worth and sometimes lose vital worth as quickly as you purchase them. Now, really uncommon, high-quality, and pure fancy-colored diamonds can recognize over time as a result of their excessive demand and restricted provide. However that’s a distinct story.

Better of luck, Hayden. I hope the younger girl in your life says sure, and I hope you’ve gotten lengthy, joyful lives collectively!
— Dave

Dave Ramsey is an eight-time nationwide bestselling writer, private finance knowledgeable, and host of “The Ramsey Present.” He has appeared on “Good Morning America,” “CBS This Morning,” “Immediately,” Fox Information, CNN, Fox Enterprise, and lots of extra. Since 1992, Dave has helped individuals regain management of their cash, construct wealth, and improve their lives. He additionally serves as CEO of Ramsey Options and is the writer of quite a few books together with Baby Steps Millionaires: How Ordinary People Built Extraordinary Wealth–and How You Can Too.