Skip the flowers, bring your stock portfolio- financial chemistry is hot

Gen Zers and millennials are hopping on a new dating bandwagon blatantly putting their financial needs above all else. Economic insecurity has existed since the start of the 2008 financial crisis and it has only gotten worse. So, many singles are now starting to look for partners who are financially stable, know how to handle their money responsibly, among other qualities and factors.

A survey revealed that nearly half of single individuals aged 18 to 42 openly acknowledge that a potential partner's financial health is a significant consideration when seeking a romantic relationship. Notably, this emphasis on financial compatibility is not limited to any particular gender. As women increasingly surpass men in earnings and homeownership rates in various cities, they place equal importance on their partner's ability to manage finances effectively.

For these couples prioritizing "financial compatibility," the goal is not to establish a transactional arrangement, but rather to recognize that their partner's financial success and stability will play a crucial role in their overall happiness and long-term compatibility. In fact, a significant portion of singles broach the subject of finances with potential partners even before the first date, underscoring the importance they place on financial transparency and alignment.

Relationship experts advise that this level of openness about financial circumstances, goals, and budgeting from the outset can help prevent conflicts related to money later in the relationship, which is often cited as a major source of disagreements. Furthermore, a considerable number of young individuals express a willingness to end a relationship if their partner's financial values do not align with their own.

Money issues and financial restrictions can put a huge strain on relationships. For those who have been a victim of witnessing parents or families struggle with things like foreclosures, bankruptcies, or living paycheck-to-paycheck, those people want to avoid those same downfalls. They understand that disagreements over finances are one of the top reasons couples split up. So, by getting on the same page about spending, saving, investing, and more from the very start, they hope to build a solid foundation and prevent future blowouts.

The new "financial flames" mentality means opening up about details like debt, income, budgets, and long-term money goals right off the bat. Rather than judging a potential mate solely on looks, personality or career status, singles are evaluating their financial behaviors too. Can they stick to a budget? Are they responsible with credit? Do they have retirement savings started? These very practical concerns are becoming make-or-break factors in the dating world.

While some critics view this trend as unromantic or crude, supporters argue it's simply being pragmatic. After all, studies show finances are a primary source of marital stress and disagreement. By ensuring you and your partner are on the same financial wavelength from day one, you may be able to avoid serious conflicts down the road. Financial advisors often recommend couples discuss money matters early to get expectations aligned. The "financial flames" are simply taking that logic and applying it to the dating game.

So while an intense physical chemistry will always play a role in attraction, today's singles are just as interested in a partner's money mindset. Call it practical or unromantic, but qualifying a mate's spending habits and financial savvy could be the key to lasting love for the modern millennial or Gen Z dater.