Love and money: Australia’s top relationship financial icks

When it comes to relationship red flags, we all have our own, but in the realm of finances, things can get a little bit tricky. Canstar surveyed thousands of Aussies to find out which were the biggest no-nos when it comes to money and love, and the results may surprise you.

What are our biggest money turns offs?

J-Lo once said that love don’t cost a thing, and it seems she was right–we really don’t mind how much money you have in the bank. Showing off about it, however, is quite another thing. Our three biggest icks when it comes to dating and finances are:

1. Bragging about your money

An overwhelming 57% of those surveyed said that bragging about money, earnings or expensive purchases is off-putting. Talking a lot about luxury or status items isn’t that far behind, with 53% saying they are wary if their date is too flashy.

2. Being disorganised with your bills

When it comes to picking a partner, it seems Aussies prioritise someone who puts their own finances first. In fact, 45% of those surveyed said that appearing to be disorganised with money or bills is a turn-off in a partner.

3. Unwillingness to share

Showing little consideration for shared costs is also a red flag when it comes to dating, with 44% saying this is an issue for them in a partner, and 42% saying they’re wary of someone who won’t spend on shared experiences.

Surprising love and money facts

If you’re hoping for an evening of fine dining and a dozen red roses from your date, you’re out of step with the majority of Australians. Our survey found that Aussies prefer a laid back approach to dating, with things that may once have been considered ‘cheap’ now socially acceptable.

Coupons are no longer a dating deal-breaker

Whipping out a coupon on the first date might seem like a risky move, but our survey shows it could actually be a practical power play.

While you might worry about looking like a cheapskate, over half of men and women surveyed say they are “completely neutral” about using discounts on a date.

• High earners love a deal: The most “coupon positive” group earns  $120,000 to $149,000 a year.
• Practicality is hot: 40% of this income group see using a discount as a practical, positive trait.

However, those trying to impress a lady may want to keep the coupons tucked away in their pocket. When it comes to negative reactions to coupons on dates, women outnumber men nearly two to one.

The viral coffee date debate is settled!

Social media has been rife with debate about whether coffee is too cheap for a first date.  Based on the results of our survey, the answer is no. In fact, 73% of Aussies would choose a coffee date over dinner, which was favoured by only 27% of respondents.

• Boomers: 83% prefer coffee; 17% prefer dinner.
• Generation X: 77% prefer coffee; 23% prefer dinner.
• Millennials: 72% prefer coffee; 28% prefer dinner.
• Generation Z: 54% prefer coffee; 46% prefer dinner.

Even in marriage, financial independence is important

It turns out that tying the knot doesn’t always mean tying your purse strings together. Nearly a third of Aussie couples in a long-term relationship value financial independence before marriage. The shift happens after the wedding; once married, almost half of all couples choose to join their finances.

Couples in a long-term relationship:

• 32% of couples in a long-term relationship prefer to keep their finances mostly separate, sharing some expenses like rent, utilities, groceries and holidays.
• 22% of those in a long-term relationship share most of their finances, with joint accounts for bills and limited separate spending.

Couples who are married:

• 48% of married couples say all their finances are shared
• For a quarter (25%) of married couples, most finances shared (e.g. joint accounts and shared bills, with limited separate spending)
• Just 1 in 6 (17.05%) married couples keep their finances mostly separate, sharing only some expenses, such as utilities, groceries, rent and holidays.

The bottom line on love and money

Navigating romance and finance is less about the size of your bank balance and more about how you manage what you have. Ultimately, according to our survey, the best investment you can make in a relationship is getting on the same page about money early on – it saves a lot of ‘ick’ moments down the road.