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MOUNT LAUREL, N.J. -- Money continues to be one of the biggest sources of stress in relationships, according to a new study from TD Bank U.S., with many admitting to keeping financial secrets, avoiding difficult conversations and feeling pressure to project greater financial success. TD's 2026 Love & Money Survey surveyed 2,000 U.S. adults, and nearly three in five respondents (59%) said they have felt at least occasionally scared or embarrassed to openly discuss their finances with a partner, while more than two-thirds (68%) said they feel pressure at least sometimes to appear more financially successful than they are.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Financial pressure is affecting relationships: Nearly three in five respondents (59%) said they have felt scared or embarrassed to openly discuss finances with a partner, while 68% said they feel pressure at least sometimes to appear more financially successful than they are. Money secrecy is common: Three in 10 respondents (30%) admitted hiding a purchase or financial decision from a spouse, partner or family member. Major milestones are being delayed: Three-quarters of respondents (75%) said they have delayed at least one major life milestone because of their current financial situation. Family financial support is widespread: Two-thirds of respondents (67%) said they have received financial assistance from family members or someone close to them. Younger generations are feeling the pressure most: Gen Z respondents were more likely than older generations to report delaying major milestones and receiving financial support.
"The survey suggests money isn't just influencing financial decisions; it's influencing relationship dynamics, major life milestones and overall confidence," said Marc Womack, Head of Client Experience, Strategy and Governance, TD Bank U.S. "Financial education and planning may help people better navigate these pressures, have more productive conversations and make more informed decisions about their future."
LOVE, LIES AND MONEY
The survey suggests conversations about money do not happen as often as they should. For some Americans, financial secrecy goes beyond the occasional hidden purchase. Respondents admitted to concealing everything from bad credit scores (21%) and credit card debt (16%) to gambling habits (14%) and even bank accounts (11%) from the people closest to them. Three in 10 respondents (30%) admitted hiding a purchase or financial decision from a spouse, partner or family member, while nearly one-quarter (23%) said someone close to them had hidden one from them.
By comparison, only 39% of respondents supporting children under 18 reported complete financial transparency, compared with 53% of those without financial dependents.
MONEY MATTERS MORE IN MODERN RELATIONSHIPS
The survey also found that financial compatibility is becoming just as important as emotional compatibility, influencing everything from dating and marriage to how couples manage their money.
Love Has a Price Tag: More than seven in 10 respondents (72%) said financial stability is important when pursuing a serious relationship, including 41% who said it is very important that a partner be financially stable and able to help support the household if needed. Debt Can Be a Dealbreaker: Nearly half of respondents (46%) said someone's debt or financial habits would influence whether they pursued a serious relationship.
Millennials (51%) and Gen Z (49%) were significantly more likely than Gen X (39%) and Baby Boomers (39%) to say it would affect their decision. "I Do"… But Not to Shared Bank Accounts: 30% of respondents say couples should wait until after marriage to combine finances, while 13% believe finances should always remain separate.
Prenups Go Mainstream: More than half of respondents (54%) said they would consider signing a prenuptial agreement before marriage.
FINANCIAL PRESSURES ARE PUTTING LIFE
ON HOLD
The survey also revealed that affordability challenges are forcing many Americans to rethink the timing of major life decisions. From buying a home to starting a family, financial pressures are delaying milestones across generations, with three-quarters of respondents (75%) saying they have delayed at least one major life milestone because of their current financial situation. The most commonly delayed milestones were:
Paying off debt (23%)Travel (21%)Buying a car (17%)Buying a home (17%)Saving for retirement (15%).
The impact is especially pronounced among younger adults, with Gen Z far more likely than older generations to have postponed major life milestones. A striking 85% of Gen Z respondents said they have delayed at least one major life milestone, compared with 79% of Millennials, 66% of Gen X and 57% of Baby Boomers.
Similarly, 84% of respondents supporting children under 18 said they have delayed at least one major life milestone, compared with 67% of respondents without financial dependents.
FAMILIES HELP BRIDGE THE GAP
Financial support has become a reality for many Americans, with 67% of respondents reporting they have received financial assistance from family members or someone close to them. The most common forms of support included help with everyday expenses or bills (24%), emergency financial support (21%), and assistance with credit card or debt payments, rent or mortgage payments, and car purchases or leases (15% each). The findings build on previous TD research, which found that family support is also playing an increasingly important role in homeownership, with 67% of first-time homebuyers receiving or expecting financial assistance from loved ones.
Younger generations were the most likely to receive assistance, with 77% of Gen Z and 71% of Millennials reporting they have received financial support from family members or someone close to them, compared with 60% of Gen X and 45% of Baby Boomers.