Did you know that 40 percent of couples wait until they are engaged to discuss their finances? According to a recent FICO survey, some even wait a full year after they’re married – likely a statistic that supports the fact that ½ of all marriages, these days, end in divorce!

FICO’s survey also found:

• Women were twice as likely (than men) to choose “a good FICO score” as the most important characteristic in a date while men are six times as likely to choose “good looking” as the most important characteristic in a date. Having an excellent FICO score ranked third – which topped being “rich,” “good looking” and “having great teeth” by both the men and women.
• 20 percent of couples described their partners’ spending habits as “drastically different” from their own and over 45 percent described them as moderately different. (Only 20 percent of couples rated each others’ spending habits the same.)
• Please see the complete survey results and downloadable images, here.

With survey findings like these facing Valentine’s Day, FICO’s Credit Cupid has solutions which will help your FICO scores in tip-top shape, see below:

1)     Maintain a good history of paying bills on time. Payment history is the most important component of your FICO score. People with a long history of paying their bills on time, are expected by lenders to continue their good payment pattern, and will be more willing to extend credit in the future.

2)     Encourage good spending habits from your partner. Everyone has their own credit report and FICO score; when couples begin applying for credit together their shared accounts affect both FICO scores.  This is why it’s doubly important to pay on time when you’re responsible for a shared account.

3)     Don’t overspend on your lover.  While it’s easy to get caught up in buying gifts for your sweetheart, spend within your means. If you have a lot of debt, adding more debt or maxing out your credit cards can hurt your FICO score – and potentially your relationship.

4)     Don’t apply for credit you don’t need. Your FICO score not only considers the existing credit accounts on your credit report, but also applications for new credit. Applying for many new accounts in a short amount of time can be a sign of looming financial problems, which can hurt your FICO score.

5)     Discuss finances with your partner. Your partner’s financial burdens can ultimately affect your credit if you feel compelled to help out with their debts and obligations. Have an honest financial discussion early and avoid surprises later!

If you would like to learn more about the survey or how FICO can help keep you in top credit shape, please visit myFICO.com.