Prediction markets, cryptos among the biggest red flags in new relationships

Seventy-two percent said shared financial values mattered more than emotional chemistry, and the same share ranked it above shared lifestyle and interests. Physical compatibility trailed at 63%, intellectual compatibility at 62%, and spiritual compatibility at 56%. The pattern held steady across both gender and generational lines.

“Couples who share financial values and goals are often better equipped to move forward together, building a life that reflects what matters most to both of them,” Sippel said.

Financial tension shows up most acutely among younger couples. Among Gen Z respondents in a marriage or live-in partnership, 41% said money disagreements have created serious strain in their relationship, compared with 33% of millennials, 25% of Gen X, and just 12% of Boomers-plus.

Improvement over time

Among couples together for more than five years, half said their financial compatibility has grown stronger since the relationship began, while only 12% said it had gotten worse.

“Many couples don’t start on the same page financially – but they get there by talking,” Sippel said. “Money conversations don’t just build wealth; they create stronger relationships. Moreover, they can often lead to important discoveries about each other: about kids, career goals, bucket lists, and more. It’s often not easy to navigate these delicate conversations, and that’s another moment when a financial advisor can provide a great deal of value.”