Romance or money? Why both matter for true love

This story version has been formatted as an on-air script for broadcast outlets. See the original research story here.

CAN MONEY STAND IN THE WAY OF FINDING TRUE LOVE?

ONE IN FOUR AMERICANS THINKS SO.

A NEW SURVEY OF 2,000 ADULTS FROM CURRENT FOUND MANY PEOPLE BELIEVE THEIR FINANCIAL SITUATION HAS KEPT THEM FROM FINDING THE RIGHT PARTNER.

THE STUDY, CONDUCTED BY TALKER RESEARCH, FOUND YOUNGER ADULTS ARE ESPECIALLY LIKELY TO FEEL THAT WAY, WITH FOUR IN TEN GEN Z RESPONDENTS SAYING THEIR FINANCES HAVE HURT THEIR CHANCES AT FINDING TRUE LOVE.

AND FOR MANY, IT'S NOT ABOUT HOW MUCH MONEY SOMEONE MAKES. PEOPLE SAY POOR MONEY MANAGEMENT, CONSTANTLY BORROWING MONEY AND A LACK OF FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ARE BIGGER RELATIONSHIP RED FLAGS THAN SALARY.

SO WHAT ABOUT YOU? IS FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY MORE ATTRACTIVE THAN A BIG PAYCHECK?

Research methodology:

Talker Research surveyed 2,000 general population Americans who have access to the internet; the survey was commissioned by Current and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between June 26–30, 2026. A link to the questionnaire can be found here.

To view the complete methodology as part of AAPOR’s Transparency Initiative, please visit the Talker Research Process and Methodology page.