Fancy dinner dates, flower deliveries, and weekend getaways sound romantic—until reality hits your wallet. But according to Registered Financial Planner Raymond Quisumbing, you don’t need to break the bank to build a strong, lasting relationship.
“Love isn’t measured by how much you spend—it’s about how well you support each other, especially when money is tight,” Quisumbing tells Financial Adviser PH.
If you’re feeling the pinch, here’s how couples can still thrive—financially and emotionally.
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Talk about money, even the uncomfortable parts
Money talk isn’t always romantic, but it’s essential. Whether it’s job loss, mounting bills, or career changes, open communication builds trust. “Even small updates matter,” Quisumbing says. “If your delivery job doesn’t have the tools yet, talk to your partner. Work as a team—even if that means delivering packages together in the heat.”
Shared struggles create stronger bonds.
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Make finances a team sport
Assess your financial standing together. One person doesn’t need to carry the load alone. Maybe one cooks, the other sells; maybe one manages bills, the other saves receipts. “You don’t need the same careers to share the same goals,” he explains. Joint planning means shared victories—and fewer surprises.
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Redefine what romance looks like
Who says love has to be expensive? Quisumbing suggests setting up a candlelit dinner at home. Learn to cook together, or upgrade cheaper ingredients using technique instead of price. “You don’t need A5 wagyu,” he laughs. “With care and effort, even budget steak can be tender—and meaningful.”
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Grow together—financially and emotionally
While cutting expenses is smart, growth is the long game. “Support each other’s hustle,” Quisumbing says. That might mean helping your partner get promoted, encouraging a side hustle, or investing in a shared business. When both people grow, the relationship does too.
The takeaway
Love thrives not in grand gestures but in everyday effort. Budget cuts can be a blessing in disguise—they force couples to get creative, communicate better, and work as a unit. “The strongest couples,” Quisumbing says, “aren’t those who spend the most. They’re the ones who grow the most—together.”
