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Money is an important part of any intimate relationship. Couples make daily decisions about spending and saving money while trying to balance their long-term goals. Money is a shared responsibility, but everyone in a relationship brings unique experiences and different expectations to the table. These perspectives can make for difficult conversations, even for partners who are otherwise compatible.
Differences in financial awareness, habits and priorities can all create tension in relationships. These include not knowing how to communicate openly about finances and the inevitable disagreements over how money should be managed. Four in five Americans (81%) in CFP Board’s 2026 Financial FOMO Report say they intentionally avoid discussing one or more financial topics with family and friends. While discussing money issues can be healthy, it may not always lead to a solution.
For couples, financial matters and the thinking surrounding them can become interconnected. Money affects how individuals view intimacy, trust and ultimately commitment. While money can certainly cause stress and conflict, it can also create opportunities. These issues are more salient than ever as the rising cost of living impacts Americans’ budgets. According to CFP Board’s 2026 Expensive Today, Elusive Tomorrow Report, most CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professionals (53%) report that their clients are concerned about both day-to-day costs and about affording their long-term goals and needs (60%). CFP® professionals work closely with their clients to help them achieve their financial goals during times of economic pressure and can help support them as they navigate conversations about money at home.
CFP Board’s Research team, in partnership with Morning Consult, sought to better understand how Americans in relationships experience and navigate financial issues.
