And then we will look for common tastes, hobbies, values, goals, and all that stuff.
I will save the maximum money possible so that I don't happen to come short later in life (or at least minimize the risk), and I will make sure the woman I marry is not a money sucker either. I sure won't want a ton of cosmetics, phones and expensive clothes empty my incomes.
I applaud you for wanting to save for the future -- that's definitely a step in the right direction.
But since you've said that you don't want your wife to "empty your income" with "tons of cosmetics, phones, and expensive clothes," may I ask:
* Do you plan for your wife to work and be able to contribute?
* What do you think of her going to college for a higher education and higher paying career?
* What if a "need" arose for things like cosmetics?
I am currently following the story of a young (early 20's, I think), very beautiful (blonde hair, bright blue eyes) Christian gal on YouTube. She is married, and is experiencing a terrible reaction to the birth control method she and her husband prayerfully chose.
I watched her latest video last night in which her entire face is full of angry red splotches and covered in countless painful blemishes. She is undergoing treatment by a doctor and dermatologist, but in the meantime, she does use cosmetics for when she has to go out into the world. People judge you by what they see, and if they see someone's skin in that condition, they will often make unjust assumptions and unwanted comments about the person's appearance and hygiene. They may even think that the person has some kind of contagious disease.
Having had several skin challenges in my own life, I can certainly sympathize with what this poor girl is going through. I can also testify that in these cases, the lesser quality (usually cheaper) skincare products only make things worse, and expensive treatment and products often become a necessity.
* How would you feel about your wife spending money on these things if she felt a need for them for her own health?
* You mentioned having hobbies in common. How would you feel about your wife spending money on hobbies?
I went through a time in my life when, if I was ever wearing a dress, it was one that I had made myself. But I'll be the first to admit that sewing is not at all a cheap hobby. I'm certainly not trying to say it's only for the wealthy either, but you do have to save up quite a bit in order to buy the tools and supplies you need, even if they're all secondhand.
I know several other women with hobbies such as papercrafts (making and sending homemade cards,) knitting/crochet, baking, etc., and every such hobby requires a substantial amount of money.
* What do you think of your income being used on such things, or would you want for her to work and be able to earn her own money towards her own hobbies?