<prompt> Human: Im extremely excited about this life change - but Im also in the lower income range. Im making 36,000 a year. Have about 2,500 in my emergency fund and have about 1,000 in monthly bills. How much do I spend on an engagement ring while still staying financially responsible? Thanks!EDIT: THANKS for the feedback! Im trying to reply to everyone a get a plan together.EDIT2: SO and Family are very Southern American Southeast and traditional looking ring is like what I feel the pressure to get... Ill definitely speak with her again about it.  <response>: The best financial answer is as little as possible since the ring doesnt do much for you and is likely made of out pretty common minerals sold at a huge markup.Obviously your relationship is more important than the math here, though. Find a middle ground and work with that.Your emergency fund should probably be higher than 2500, by the way. 