In this age of online dating apps, it can be tricky to get a measure of a potential romantic partner before you agree to grab a drink. You see a few photos (probably several years old); you send a few DMs; you base your initial impression of them on a bio which is most likely riddled with fibs. But do you know what never lies? Your spending history. Which begs the question: Couldn't two singles be successfully matched based on how they choose to spend their money?
It might sound strange but hear us out. Compatibility is usually thought of in terms of looks and personality. But what about financial compatibility? Isn't that just as important? If two singles have a similar money-mindset, chances are they're going to get along. Plus, given that financial wellness is so crucial for your mental wellbeing, it's good to know that whoever you're investing time in doesn't neglect responsibilities and treat their monthly paycheck like a clothes-shopping voucher...or worse.
To put this theory to the test, we joined forces with Klarna, the smoooth shopping platform, to pair up three couples with similar interests and give them the opportunity to arrange a date. But here's the catch: each person was given the opportunity to snoop through their potential partner's smartphone, Klarna app included, before meeting face-to-face and deciding whether or not to go on a date. Sadly, it didn't end too well for our first couple, Asim and Kym.
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He was a sneakerhead, she was a sneakerhead. On paper these two stylish singletons were a match made in heaven, but when they started rifling through each other's phones things weren't quite so clear cut.
Using the Klarna app, Kym quickly discovered that her potential date had some unusual spending habits, not least of which involved a penchant for designer condoms. But Asim wasn't too concerned with having his collection of high-end johnnies discovered. "If she's not impressed by the condoms then she won't get to see them," he said.
As she continued to explore the app, Kym found that she wasn't alone in her passion for trainers. In the top categories of the 'spending' section of the Klarna app, it showed that 65% of Asim's spending was on footwear. "I feel so much better about myself now," said Kym. And that wasn't the only thing they had in common; looking at his Klarna wish lists, Kym saw that, just like herself, Asim loves to travel.
Meanwhile, Asim wasn't overly enamoured with Kym's style. Thumbing through her Instagram, he said, "despite her being into fashion, her style is just really not speaking to me,"
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Things didn't get any better when the pair came face to face. Asim told Kym, in no uncertain terms, that he wasn't into her style. And while Kym's Klarna-app snooping led her to discover that Asim had a successful personal-shopping career that had allowed him to retire before 30, she decided she didn't want to go on a date.
So, is there anything to be said for dating based on financial compatibility? Judging from Asim and Kym's experience, perhaps not. However, they weren't the only couple in the experiment. Check out the rest of the series to find out how our other hopefuls, Xavier & Ceri and Alex & Genie got on. SPOILER: a whole lot better than Asim and Kym.
For more details and tips on managing your spending, download the Klarna app https://bit.ly/3epQnYi
*Please shop responsibly. 18+ UK residents only. Credit subject to status. T&Cs apply. See klarna.com for details.
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