Financial stress is increasingly dictating modern romance, relationship dynamics and life goals across the United States. According to the newly released 2026 Love & Money Survey from TD Bank U.S., widespread economic pressures are leading Americans to keep financial secrets, delay major life milestones, and prioritize financial stability in dating more than ever before.
Conducted by Talker Research and surveying 2,000 U.S. adults, the study highlights how money is impacting personal confidence and long-term planning, particularly among younger generations.
While couples often vow honesty, money remains a major taboo or a source of deep anxiety. Nearly three in five respondents (59%) reported feeling scared or embarrassed to openly discuss finances with a partner, while 68% admitted to feeling pressure to project greater financial success than they actually possess.
Beyond conversational avoidance, financial secrecy runs deep:
- 30% of respondents admitted to hiding a purchase or financial decision from a spouse, partner, or family member.
- Concealed secrets ranged from bad credit scores (21%) and credit card debt (16%) to gambling habits (14%) and hidden bank accounts (11%).
- Only 39% of parents supporting children under 18 reported complete financial transparency with their partners.
Money matters have also shifted to the forefront of the dating world, occasionally outweighing traditional notions of romance.
- 72% of respondents stated that financial stability is important when pursuing a serious relationship.
- 46% noted that a partner’s debt or poor financial habits could serve as a dealbreaker, with Millennials (51%) and Gen Z (49%) being the strictest.
- When tying the knot, 54% of Americans said they would consider signing a prenuptial agreement, and 30% believe couples should wait until after marriage to combine bank accounts.
Affordability challenges are forcing many to hit the pause button on significant life chapters. A striking 75% of respondents reported delaying at least one major life milestone due to financial constraints.
The most commonly delayed milestones include:
- Paying off debt (23%)
- Taking a vacation or traveling (21%)
- Buying a car (17%)
- Buying a home (17%)
- Saving for retirement (15%)
Younger generations are feeling this squeeze the most. 85% of Gen Z respondents have postponed a major life milestone, compared to 79% of Millennials, 66% of Gen X, and 57% of Baby Boomers.
To bridge financial gaps, many Americans are leaning heavily on their families. 67% of respondents reported receiving financial assistance from loved ones for everyday expenses, emergencies, or debt and housing payments. This trend is heavily concentrated among younger demographics: 77% of Gen Z and 71% of Millennials reported receiving familial help, compared to 45% of Baby Boomers. Simultaneously, 71% of respondents noted they have provided financial assistance to family members in need.
“Whether it’s navigating financial conversations with a partner, reaching a major life milestone or leaning on loved ones for support, confidence can be strengthened from understanding your financial situation and making informed decisions,” said Ashley Weeks, Wealth Strategist at TD Wealth®.
