DINK stands for ‘Dual Income, No Kids.’ If both partners in a relationship work and have no children, it makes the relationship DINK. These couples have money to spend but they don’t have children-related expenses. The term can also be used to describe married couples who are expected to have children but who prefer to spend their money on themselves.
The term first appeared in 1987. At the time, a Los Angeles Times article credited the rise in the number of DINKs as a way that baby boomers used to beat inflation and income stagnation. Interesting!
A TikTok Video Started a Debate
Lilly Anne and her husband Evan told people about the numerous benefits of their DINK relationship. The couple treat themselves to lavish meals after work each night and have plenty of disposable income. They always select their favorite snacks at Costco, attend football games, and play golf. This looks like a nice setup for many people, at least on paper.
Many social media users expressed opinions against the DINK relationship in the comment section of the video, including claims of hedonism, while another argued that costly snacks weren’t worth ending a 2000-year bloodline. Talk about taking TikTok too seriously!
An Expert Gives a Warning
Despite the supposed benefits, an expert has warned people to be wary of the long-term impacts of living the DINK lifestyle. Personal finance expert Dr Roger Gewolb said that living a child-free life doesn’t always pay off in the long run. He explained that at first not having kids is financially beneficial but that people also have to think about who will care for them in their old age.
Still, the expert added that having children is not a financial decision but an emotional one. He also noted that couples could choose the DINK life while they’re young and consider children at a later date.