Nollywood actress and media personality Toke Makinwa has advised people to date within their financial class, arguing that differences in economic status often create challenges in relationships and marriages.

Speaking on a recent episode of the MENtality podcast hosted by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Makinwa said many men pursue women whose lifestyles they cannot afford and later accuse them of being materialistic.

According to her, relationships are more likely to thrive when partners share similar financial realities and expectations.

“I am a big believer in dating within your age and within your class. That way, there will not be stories that touch. You will have a good girl at home, a girl who will even make dinner with her own money when you don’t have. Yet, some men will still want to cheat on her with a woman they can’t afford,” she said.

The actress also cautioned women against ignoring a man’s character before he becomes financially successful, stressing that wealth does not change people but reveals their true nature.

“Heaven forbid you end up with a guy who hasn’t blown. The day he blows, that is when you will know his true personality. And that scares women. Money doesn’t change people, it just reveals who the person is. So many men are treating women who sacrificed everything for them badly,” Makinwa added.

Her comments have sparked conversations on social media about financial compatibility, relationship expectations and the role of money in marriages.