‘Shark Tank’: Kevin O’Leary Reveals How To Know You’re Dating a Gold Digger
Kevin O’Leary of ABC’s Shark Tank is known as the most ruthless investor on the show despite his “Mr. Wonderful” moniker. While O’Leary often professes his love of money, he tends to be more cautious when discussing personal romantic relationships.
The Shark Tank star previously advised those in the dating field to be on the alert for potential mates who may be mostly interested in a big bank account.
Kevin O’Leary believes in prenuptial agreements
Married for 30 years to his wife Linda, the couple share two children – Trevor and Savannah. While the Shark Tank investor enjoys longevity in his own relationship, O’Leary knows that many couples don’t go the distance. The millionaire finds that putting things in writing before heading to the altar can avoid problems later down the line.
“The No. 1 reason marriages break up isn’t infidelity — it’s money,” he said in 2013, according to the National Post. “Marriage isn’t just an emotional decision, it’s a financial one. If you can successfully sign a prenuptial agreement, that marriage stands a much better chance of success.”
O’Leary also sees a prenuptial agreement as way to root out a potential parasite.
“There’s a big difference between someone who’s concerned about his or her financial health and a gold digger who’s interested only in your financial wealth,” O’Leary stated in his 2012 book Cold Hard Truth On Men, Women, and Money: 50 Common Money Mistakes and How to Fix Them. “But the only surefire way to ‘out’ a gold digger is to slap a prenuptial agreement down in front of him or her.”
‘Shark Tank’ star says gold diggers have one goal
The business mogul shared that those looking for big bucks through a relationship often seek out financially affluent people in midlife.
“And they’re not just for the wealthy to worry about,” O’Leary wrote of potential money-seeking charlatans. “Anytime there is financial disparity of any kind between a couple, caution must be exercised. If you have a healthy pension, you’d be wise to date someone equally flush in the twilight years.”
O’Leary maintained that some individuals prioritizing cash over coupledom are easy to spot, where both men and women can fall under the “gold digger” umbrella.
“I’ve met a few gold diggers in my travels, both male and female,” O’Leary revealed. “Some of them are perfectly nice people. But they have a single goal in mind: to meet and marry someone rich.”
Kevin O’Leary’s tips on spotting a gold digger
The Shark Tank panelist provided a tangible list in his book on how to discern whether or not a potential mate is guilty of gold digging. Some qualities he recommended looking out for include:
- They seem to live beyond their means.
- They have no discernible employment or goals in life beyond being available to you.
- They bring up money way too soon.
- They expect you to pay for everything.
- They wear expensive clothes and jewelry they can’t seem to afford.
- They constantly hint at things they’d like you to purchase or pay for.
O’Leary reiterated that the telltale sign is the unwillingness to sign a prenuptial agreement, and warned those dating a person where some of these personality traits sound too familiar.
“Not every beautiful young man or woman you meet is out for your money,” Mr. Wonderful remarked. “But I advise you to padlock your wallet or call a lawyer if you are dating people with these characteristics.”
