'Tis the season … for engagements. The holidays are also known as “Proposal Season,” since 37% of couples get engaged between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. And just in time … wedding site The Knot has released their annual Jewelry & Engagement Study. Some stats:
- In 2017, the average engagement ring costs $6,351, up 25% since 2011.
- 70% of grooms said they decided on the ring budget on their own.
- 8% of grooms said they decided on the ring budget with their partner.
- 29% of grooms said they spent more than they'd planned.
- 70% of brides reported knowing how much their partner spent on the engagement ring.
- 90% of brides said they were happy with how much their fiancé spent on the ring, 6% wish they'd spent more and 4% wish they'd spent less.
- 33% of couples shopped for the ring together. (PRNewswire)
And then there are those happily un-engaged ...
Single and happy … According to a new survey, women tend to be happier than men being single. The survey found the majority of women –61% – are happy when their relationship status is single, compared to about half of men. One psychologist suggests this is true because relationships are exhausting for women. In much the same way women spend more time doing housework than men, they also spend more time maintaining romantic relationships. Seems having a partner ends up costing a lot of time and energy. (Telegraph)
Eat some artichoke hearts … for your heart. Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine in New York have found that eating a vegetarian diet cuts your risk of heart failure by a whopping 42%. The study concluded that the foods to avoid include refined carbohydrates, foods high in added sugars, trans fats, saturated fats and processed meats. So, no cookies and no bacon. And no fun? (Daily Mail)
So much for the myth of lazy Millennials ... A new survey sponsored by GoDaddy found that half of all millennials have a side gig that helps them earn extra money, either to boost their bank accounts or to chase a bigger dream. The most popular side hustle of these millennials is selling stuff online. (NY Post)
Maybe this is why Millennials are working two jobs … A new Bankrate.com survey revealed that the majority of Americans – 52% – didn’t see a salary increase over the past year. And 47% of Millennials said they hadn't see a salary increase in the last 12 months. (Moneyish)