Getting engaged can be a stressful time and a very expensive time. When do you propose? Who proposes to whom? How much money should you really spend on an engagement ring? What if you’ve never really talked about money before? These are just a few questions that our guest Kat McCoy, a hopeless romantic and the owner of Best Kept Jewelry Concierge and Proposal Prep, is here to help you with. I share this story in the episode, but when I got engaged to my husband, Jeff, we mutually bought the engagement ring; I picked it up and then put it on the counter when I got home. Jeff said, “OK, what am I supposed to do with this thing.” I was like, I don’t know, I guess you are supposed to propose. We laugh about it now, but the dynamics of the engagement process, even though exciting, can be stressful and anxiety-filled. In this episode, Kat breaks down the narrative around who proposes to whom, whether your engagement ring is an investment and some important love and money questions to ask your future spouse…before you walk down the aisle. Links Proposal Prep Best Kept Jewelry Concierge Thank you for being a part of our community! We couldn't do it without you. To support the show, please subscribe or share the word about this show in your circles. Sign up for our newsletter or follow me on Instagram to keep up with everything happening in the world of Everyone’s Talkin’ Money. You can download 10 Money Questions to Ask Yourself Free Money Guide https://etmpod.link/10moneyq and leave a 5-star Review here https://ratethispodcast.com/etm. Timestamps (00:00) Navigating the Engagement Process (06:54) Choosing and Budgeting for Engagement Rings (16:13) Engagement Rings and Proposal Dynamics (21:30) Sustainable and Meaningful Jewelry Options (26:55) Engagement Ring Shopping and Proposal Tips (30:41) Key Steps in Choosing a Jeweler SPONSORS Thanks to NerdWallet for sponsoring the show. Don’t wait to make smart financial decisions. Compare and find smarter credit cards, savings accounts, and more today at www.nerdwallet.com. Thanks to Monarch for sponsoring the show. ​​After trying out Monarch for myself, I understand why it’s the top-rated personal finance app. Listeners of this show will get an extended thirty-day free trial when you go to www.monarchmoney.com/ETM.  Thanks to Uncommon Goods for sponsoring the show. Get 15% off your next gift by going to www.uncommongoods.com/ETM.  Thanks to EarnIn for sponsoring the show. Just download the EarnIn app in Google Play of the Apple App store and use code Talkin Money under Podcast. Thanks to Noom for sponsoring the show. Start taking control of your weight management and join the millions who have lost weight with Noom. Sign up for your TRIAL today at www.noom.com.   Thanks to ButcherBox for sponsoring the show. Sign up today at www.butcherbox.com/etm and use code ETM to get $20 off your first order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices