Key takeaways
Nearly 1 in 5 Australians, around 3.6 million people, admit they’ve pursued a relationship for financial reasons, reflecting how economic pressures are shaping love and partnership choices.
Rising financial stress is driving some Australians to prioritise financial security over genuine connection, risking power imbalances and trust issues within relationships.
Gen Z (32%) and Millennials (27%) are far more likely to date for money compared to older generations, revealing how financial insecurity is reshaping dating dynamics.
Men hold significantly larger savings than women, averaging $53,301 versus $33,308, a disparity that can influence relationship dynamics and perceived financial stability.
Secrecy, dishonesty, avoidance, and power imbalances around money are major red flags. Open conversations about finances are essential to building both emotional and financial trust.
Let’s be honest, money and love have always been strange bedfellows.
But new research suggests that for millions of Australians, the two are now deeply, perhaps uncomfortably, intertwined.
According to a new Finder survey, almost 1 in 5 Australians (17%), that’s about 3.6 million people, admit to pursuing a romantic relationship for financial reasons.
In other words, we’re not just dating for love anymore. We’re dating for lifestyle.
And it doesn’t stop there; 1 in 10 openly admitted their financial motives, while another 8% quietly kept those intentions to themselves.
Even more revealing, 7% believe they’ve been on the receiving end, that their partner was with them for their wallet, not their wit.
Now, while these numbers might make for a good dinner party debate, they also shine a spotlight on something deeper happening in Australian households: our growing anxiety about money, and how that’s changing what we value in relationships.
The price of love in the age of inflation
There’s no denying that the rising cost of living has blurred the line between affection and affordability.
Finder’s personal finance expert Sarah Megginson summed it up well:
“Choosing a partner based on their bank balance might feel practical in the short term, but it can leave you vulnerable down the track.”
And she’s right.
When money becomes the main motivator, you’re not just sharing a bed, you’re signing up for a power dynamic.
One person ends up calling the financial shots while the other risks losing independence. That imbalance can quietly corrode trust, the bedrock of any strong relationship.
But it’s not all doom and gloom.
These findings are really a reflection of how tough things have become financially.
With rents surging, homeownership slipping further out of reach, and household expenses stretching wallets thinner by the month, many people are looking for stability anywhere they can find it, even in love.
The generational divide: Gen Z and Millennials leading the charge
Interestingly, this isn’t just about economic hardship; it’s also about how different generations view money and relationships.
Finder’s data shows Gen Z are the most likely to have dated for financial security (32%), followed by Millennials (27%), while only 2% of Baby Boomers admit to doing the same.
That gap says a lot.
Younger Australians are entering adulthood in a financial climate their parents never had to face, higher housing costs, stagnant wages, and fewer paths to financial independence.
For some, coupling up isn’t just about romance, it’s about survival in a high-cost economy.
It’s also worth noting that men still tend to hold larger financial cushions than women, the average male has $53,301 saved, compared to $33,308 for women.
This gender gap doesn’t just shape bank balances; it can quietly influence relationship dynamics and decision-making too.
Four financial red flags you shouldn’t ignore
Money and relationships can be a powerful mix when handled with honesty and respect.
But when secrecy or imbalance creep in, it’s a recipe for resentment.
Here are four financial red flags worth keeping an eye on:
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Secrecy: Hidden bank accounts, unspoken debts, or secret spending habits. Once trust erodes, it’s hard to rebuild.
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Dishonesty: Lying about income, savings, or financial goals. Small lies here often grow into big problems later.
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Avoidance: A partner who refuses to talk about money or gets defensive when finances come up. Healthy relationships need open conversations, money included.
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Power Imbalances: When one partner holds all the financial control, it can breed dependency and resentment. Equality in love should extend to financial decision-making too.
Final thoughts: building wealth and love the right way
Money itself isn’t the enemy here, secrecy is.
Financial compatibility is just as important as emotional connection, but when money becomes the foundation instead of the framework, the relationship is on shaky ground.
It’s absolutely fine, and even wise, to value financial stability in a partner.
But using money as the main motivator for love often leads to short-term comfort and long-term regret.
At the end of the day, wealth should enhance love, not replace it.
If you can find a partner who shares your financial values, communicates openly, and grows with you, that’s where real wealth begins.
