Finally, A Dating Site for the Money Minded: CreditScoreDating.com

Props to Jodi Helmer for her recent story on creditcards.com about dating and credit scores. I am interested in this development in general and also in how it might jibe with current protocol on who pays for dates. 

For about ten years now, I have taught a weekend class to law and undergrad students on financial self-defense. Sometimes the students practice active listening in pairs about what financial issues trouble them most going forward. While student loan debt always tops the list (more so lately), a fair number of students share fears about the role of debt and credit in finding partners. Helmer’s story tells of the increasing role of creditworthiness in determining partner eligibility. I get it. To me, how one uses credit is one widow into how he or she handles commitment and obligation. A relatively new dating site, CreditScoreDating.com, capitalizes on those who care about credit and helps them find love. A few people who commented in the story thought this was a bad sign but I disagree.  If credit is not important to a person, they can use another site. 

While my clinic students today were not impressed and thought that screening based upon credit scoares was a wee bit superfical, I have always encouraged students to have the money talks sooner, and to unquestionably share credit scores before getting married.  This site helps determine credit compatibility from the beginning. The users will likely be self-selected people for whom credit use is of particular interest.  The site may also draw people who want to talk honestly about debt and credit issues and not shove them under the rug as is often done.

One thing about modern debt and dating that mystifies me is that guys are supposed to pay.  Every year men in my class report that this is the protocol, at least at first.   They also say that dating can put them in the red.  How does this square with equality? It seems wrong for women to care about credit scores if they are not footing the bill?   Back in the day (yes I am an AARP member), women wanted to pay for themselves for the sake of equality and independence, and perhaps for other now antiquated reasons.

Can our younger readers please confirm that this “the guy should pay” rule is indeed in place, and also explain it?  I look forward to learning from you.