Singles on the dating scene can have great jobs, solid self-care routines, and good communication skills, but according to new research, it’s their ability to handle money that determines if a relationship will last.
When it comes to dating and relationships, it turns out that financial literacy and money management matter more than most realize. A new survey found that 60% of Americans say poor financial habits are an absolute dealbreaker in a relationship. But here’s what might surprise people: It’s not about being broke or carrying student loans. It’s about the choices someone makes.
Nearly half of Americans – 49% – say excessive gambling or risky money moves are the biggest financial warning signs in a partner. That tops hiding purchases and high credit card debt.
And there’s a reason why: Most people understand that life happens. Inflation is real. Bills pile up. Emergencies blow through your savings. But someone who’s spending money on sports betting apps instead of building an emergency fund, or taking out loans to cover gambling losses? That’s not bad luck. That’s bad judgment
Among Gen Z couples, 41% say money fights are seriously straining their relationships. With many breakups resulting from financial distrust and incompatibility.
“When one person is trying to save while the other is chasing quick wins, that tension shows up everywhere: date nights, future plans, how you talk about the life you’re building together,” said Safiya Parker, a Washington D.C.-based financial advisor with Northwestern Mutual.
According to the latest Northwestern Mutual Planning and Progress study, 32% of Gen Z adults are either betting on sports or considering prediction markets, compared to just 17% of all adults. That’s a sign of desperation wrapped in an opportunity, and it’s reshaping how young people think about money and risk.
Betting apps are everywhere now, and sports betting has been normalized as a quick way to build wealth when traditional paths like homeownership and retirement savings make financial security feel further away than ever. For a generation watching their parents and grandparents work decades toward milestones that still seemed out of reach, the appeal of quick wins is real.
“Money compatibility is becoming just as important as emotional chemistry,” Parker added. “Couples aren’t just asking, ‘Do we love each other anymore? They’re asking, ‘Can I trust you enough to build a financial future with you?’ And that’s a valid question.”
According to the study, financial red flags that kill relationships include:
- Excessive gambling or risky money behavior: 49%
- Hiding or lying about purchases: 47%
- High credit card debt: 41%
- Constant impulse spending: 32%
- Expecting a partner to pay for everything: 28%
“It’s important to start having these conversations about money early,” said Parker. “Before co-signing on a lease or discussing having children, talk about your money values. I know these aren’t romantic questions, but they are critical to the future of your relationship.”
The full Love, Money and Relationships Progress and Planning study is available at https://news.northwesternmutual.com/planning-and-progress-study-2026.
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