Survey: Canadians Reconsider Relationships Over Money

When a new relationship begins, money is often not the first topic couples want to discuss — yet financial issues can quickly become a decisive factor. The 2026 Love and Money Benchmark Survey from Money Mentors reports that nearly one in five Canadians (17%) have considered ending a relationship over money problems, an increase of 11 percentage points from the previous year. This shows how personal finances and relationship health are tightly linked.

Financial stress is more than a balance-sheet problem; it affects mental health and daily life. According to the survey, 52% of couples said arguing about money led to anxiety, sleeplessness, or symptoms of depression. The most common triggers are everyday spending (28%) and not having enough savings (24%).

To help couples have clearer, calmer conversations about money, Money Mentors CEO Stacy Yanchuk Oleksy shared practical strategies and perspectives to reduce conflict and build shared financial goals.

The hidden side of financial stress

Financial tension doesn’t always surface as open arguments. The survey found that 11% of participants admitted to lying to their partner about money to avoid conflict, and another 13% said they had considered doing so. Those hidden choices erode trust and make long-term planning difficult.

The larger economic picture adds pressure. In 2025 the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 2.1% — slightly lower than 2024’s 2.4% — but Canadian households have still experienced almost a 20% increase in the cost of goods over the past five years. Rising costs can drain savings, increase reliance on credit, and magnify financial worries within relationships. As Yanchuk Oleksy observes, “Debt distress doesn’t make your mental health better,” and that strain can test even strong partnerships.

Related reading: Credit counselling calls surge as Canadians struggle with rising costs

Building a solid financial foundation as a couple

Yanchuk Oleksy recommends starting with self-knowledge: “Be solid on who you are with your money.” That means understanding your own money values, habits, and priorities before trying to create joint financial plans. Once each partner knows their financial baseline, you can decide together how to manage money as a couple.

There is no single correct arrangement for managing money together. What matters is finding a system you both trust and understand. Common approaches include:

• Fully combining accounts and expenses
• Keeping finances completely separate
• A hybrid model that mixes joint and individual accounts

Approach financial conversations with curiosity rather than judgment. Ask about your partner’s money mindset, their financial triggers, and the goals they want to prioritize. Understanding where those views come from — family background, past experiences, or personal values — makes it easier to co-create a plan that works for both of you.

A note about credit scores: Even with shared accounts, credit scores remain individual. Each partner’s credit score is affected by their personal credit behaviour.

Navigating tough money conversations

Disagreements over money occur at every stage of a relationship. When conversations get heated, Yanchuk Oleksy suggests the following steps to keep discussions productive:

1. Breathe. If you feel panic or your heart racing, pause and take slow, deep breaths to calm your nervous system before continuing the conversation.
2. Remember that you’re on the same team. Money often reflects feelings, values, and past experiences. Framing the issue as a shared challenge encourages empathy rather than blame.
3. Seek neutral help from a non-profit credit counselling agency if necessary. A counsellor can help you build a workable budget, identify resources, and develop a plan that reduces stress and restores financial control.
4. Make money talks a regular habit. Don’t limit discussions to crisis moments. Check in about budgets, short- and long-term goals, and any money-related triggers so surprises are less likely.

If your partner is unwilling to attend counselling, consider going on your own. Credit counselling is confidential, won’t affect your credit score, and can give you tools and language to share with your partner later.

The bottom line

“Money is never just about money,” says Yanchuk Oleksy. It represents emotions, histories, and priorities that influence relationships. Most couples face financial challenges at some point, but with clear communication, compassion, and a shared plan, you can navigate money issues together and strengthen your partnership.

Read more about relationships and personal finance:

• Skip the chocolates and build financial intimacy instead
• Individual vs. joint investment accounts: What every couple should know
• Prenups can be an uncomfortable topic, but a big help in the event of heartbreak