For love or money? A new survey has revealed that millions of Aussies are hooking up for financial reasons.
A Finder survey of 1004 respondents revealed almost 1 in 5 (17%) – equivalent to 3.6 million people – have pursued a romantic relationship for financial reasons.
One in 10 (9%) said they were upfront with their partner about their intentions, while eight per cent hid their financial motivations.
Finder
A further seven per cent say they’ve been in a relationship where they think their partner was with them for the money.
Of those who have pursued a romantic relationship for financial reasons, 34 per cent say they were less than truthful about their own financial situation.
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Is it love, or money?
Finder personal finance expert Sarah Megginson said the research revealed just how much money can influence matters of the heart.
“For some Australians, the rising cost of living has blurred the lines between love and financial security,” Megginson said.
“Choosing a partner based on their bank balance might feel practical in the short term, but it can leave you vulnerable down the track.
“When financial security is the main driver in a relationship, it risks creating power imbalances and can erode trust – both of which are toxic.”
Personal finance expert at Finder, Sarah Megginson. Picture: Supplied
And there is no shortage of online websites where sugar babies can meet a sugar daddy or sugar mummy.
One site alone boasts 9.2 million-plus members.
A Forbes report that was published last year said that sugar relationships were mutually beneficial relationships between two people where one person provided financial support, gifts, property etc to another person, often younger.
A woman using an online dating website. Picture: iStock.
While there was no major difference between genders in the research, Finder’s Consumer Sentiment Tracker (CST) showed men continued to have significantly larger cash reserves than women.
The average woman had $33,308 saved in September, compared to $53,301 for men.
Finder’s research showed that Gen Z (32%) were the most likely to have dated for financial security, compared to 27 per cent of Millennials, 11 per cent of Gen X, and just 2 per cent of Baby Boomers.
Shot of a happy young couple enjoying a romantic day outdoors
Megginson said healthy relationships required effective communication and emotional connection.
“It’s critical to have open conversations about money, and equally important to make sure financial comfort isn’t the only thing keeping you together,” she said.
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Four Financial Red Flags in a Relationship:
Secrecy: This includes hiding bank accounts, not being forthcoming about debt, or making large purchases without consulting your partner. This behaviour erodes trust, a core pillar of any relationship.
Dishonesty: Lying about income, savings, or spending habits also chips away at trust and can cause serious damage over time.
Unwillingness to discuss finances: A partner who consistently avoids or gets defensive during conversations about money may have something to hide. Healthy relationships require open communication, and that includes talking about financial goals and challenges.
Power imbalances: While not a red flag on its own, one partner having significantly more financial control can lead to resentment or a feeling of dependency for the other. It can create an unhealthy dynamic where one person feels they have all the power in decision making.
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