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Although I’m single, one of the topics I most enjoy writing about here is the intersection of couples and finances. Just my two cents, but one of the most interesting takeaways I’ve seen from the scores of studies and surveys I’ve consumed as it relates to money and romantic partners is the taboo perspective from which this conversation is approached.
Broadly speaking, couples, regardless of how they’re comprised, would rather discuss politics or their partners’ prior intimate encounters than finances. Indeed, there’s a time and place money talks between partners. First dates aren’t appropriate for discussing credit scores and 401(k) balances.
On the other hand, it’s not a conversation partners should dilly dally on, either. There’s no hard and fast timeline for when couples should discuss money and there is an element of playing it by ear, but some experts recommend discussing it in stages and certainly prior to milestones such as getting engaged or moving in together.
Speaking of cohabitation, some studies indicate two-thirds of couples don’t know much about their partners’ financial situations prior to sharing a residence.
Progress, But Work to Be Done
Likely due to some contributions from Gen Z’s willingness to have financial conversations early and often in relationships, Fidelity’s 2026 Couples & Money study shows signs of progress regarding couples and money talks, but there remain hurdles to clear.
“While most couples feel good about their ability to communicate with their partner, less than a third regularly talk about day-to-day finances or longer-term financial decisions, nearly half (49%) avoid money conversations to prevent arguments--and almost 1-in-4 admit to hiding a financial secret from their partner,” notes Fidelity.
Financial secrets can manifest in a variety of seemingly innocuous ways. The boyfriend or husband hiding his baseball card habit or the girlfriend/wife hiding designer handbags in the closet count as financial secrets. The problem is secret-keeping is bad. It’s not only a source of stress for the keeper, but it can be a source of negativity in the relationship even without the secret being revealed.
That is to say there are clear benefits for couples that are open about money, one of which is the possibility that these conversations, tedious as they may seem, could bring them closer together.
“Talking openly about money is more than just a financial exercise – it’s a great way for couples to feel even more connected,“ says Amanda Lott, head of Financial Planning and Advice Capabilities at Fidelity Investments. “Although these conversations may feel uncomfortable at first, approaching them together, early and often, can help partners build greater trust, support each other through challenges, and stay aligned on what matters most.”
Learn Something From Gen Z
When it comes to generation-to-generation advice, conventional wisdom holds that pearls of wisdom, economic or otherwise, are handed down from older age groups to their younger contemporaries. However, everyone may be able to learn something from Gen Z when it comes to the intersection of romance and money.
While their proclivity for keeping financial accounts separate (34% of Gen Z and 26% of millennials) and their penchant for prenuptial agreements (25% of Gen Z) isn’t for everyone, their willingness to have frank financial conversations is something to behold and copy.
“Younger couples are changing the rules on how they manage money, but one thing hasn’t changed: communication matters,” adds Lott. “Whether you have a prenup, share accounts or keep them separate, talking openly is key to making money a source of strength – not conflict.”
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