[E]ven people who are millionaires have poor spending habits and have to file for bankruptcy. So it should not be a surprise that even well-educated women fall into the trap of getting involved with a financially irresponsible man with a poor credit score. However, getting romantically involved and becoming financially enmeshed do not have to become simultaneous. Before handing over your credit card or co-signing a loan, consider some top reasons why you don’t let a man use your credit to buy things.
Most people are honest and do not have bad intentions. Unfortunately, some people make a living by taking advantage of others – especially when it comes to romance. “Love fraud” has become an increasingly common crime. As the economy worsens, more men are experiencing financial problems than ever before. Desperation could lead someone to exaggerate or even feign romantic interest to enjoy the benefits of your good credit rating.
Many women who are financially stable have good self-esteem and altruistic intentions. A talented but troubled man can pull at the heartstrings of even the most successful and emotionally grounded woman. By nature, women want to nurture others. Letting a man use your credit to buy things – whether for you or himself – is a form of nurture that can quickly lead you into financial peril.
Even if you can afford to pay the bills that he incurs, do you really want to become someone’s mother figure? Also, most men by nature want to be in charge especially when it comes to money. At the end of the day, he could end up resenting your level of financial involvement especially if you also earn a better income.
If you find yourself continually attracting men with serious financial problems, you may need the assistance of a counselor. A growing number of people are becoming addicted to bad relationships the way some people become addicted to drugs and alcohol. Just like illegal drugs, allowing a man to use your credit to buy things can destroy your finances and emotions. In rare but still very real cases, romantic and financial problems can lead to serious depression and even suicide. In the end, it is probably not worth it to financially take care of another adult who is able-bodied and not related to you by blood or marriage.