Love and Money Benchmark Survey 2026 Report

As affordability pressures continue to weigh on households across the country, financial stress is taking a growing toll on Canadians’ relationships. According to the 2026 Love and Money Benchmark Survey conducted by us, more Canadians than ever say money troubles have pushed them to consider ending a relationship.

Nearly one in five Canadians (17%) say their financial situation has led them to consider breaking up, separating, or divorcing their partner at some point, up significantly from 11% last year. In the past year alone, one-quarter (25%) say financial factors have negatively affected their relationships or dating lives.

The survey reveals that financial pressure is not only straining partnerships but also impacting Canadians’ emotional well-being and trust within relationships.

EMOTIONAL AND PERSONAL IMPACTS

More than half (52%) of Canadians in a relationship say they’ve experienced personal effects after arguing about money with their partner, up from 47% last year. Among the most common impacts:

• 34% report increased anxiety and/or depression
• 25% say they experience poor sleep after financial disagreements

Financial stress is also influencing honesty between partners. Among Canadians in relationships:

• 11% admit they have lied to their partner about their financial situation to avoid conflict, up from 8% last year
• 13% say they have considered lying about their financial situation, up from 10% last year

FINANCIAL DISAGREEMENTS AND TRANSPARENCY

While most couples still strive for openness, disagreements around everyday money decisions remain common.

• The most frequent causes of financial disagreements are day-to-day spending (28%) and lack of savings (24%)
• While 39% of Canadians in relationships say they have no financial disagreements with their partner, this is down from 45% in 2025.

Despite rising tension, financial transparency levels have remained steady year-over-year:

• 50% say they are very open and share everything, including a joint bank account
• 40% keep separate accounts but share important financial information
• Only 2% say they do not discuss finances with their partner at all

“The rise in Canadians questioning their relationships because of money is a serious red flag,” says Stacy Yanchuk Oleksy, CEO of Money Mentors. “Financial stress is no longer just about dollars and debt. It’s showing up as anxiety, lost sleep, and tension at home. When couples feel stuck or ashamed to talk about money, the stress only grows, and reaching out for support can be the first step toward relief, clarity, and a sense of partnership again.”

As economic uncertainty continues, Money Mentors encourages Canadians to seek help early. As the exclusive partner of the Orderly Payment of Debt (OPD) program on behalf of the Alberta Government, Money Mentors offers free financial counselling and debt solutions to individuals, couples, and families to build a more secure, stress-free financial future.

Photo Credit: Kindel Media / Pexels

Financial Stress Shouldn’t Come Between You and the People You Love

At Money Mentors, we know that financial challenges don’t just affect your bank account — they can impact your relationships and overall well-being. If debt feels overwhelming, money conversations feel difficult, or you simply want clarity on your financial situation, we’re here to support you.

As Alberta’s only non-profit credit counselling agency, we provide free, unbiased financial counselling and practical debt solutions designed to help individuals, couples, and families regain control and reduce financial stress.

If money concerns are creating strain at home, you don’t have to face it alone. Reach out today for a free, confidential credit counselling session and take the first step toward lasting financial confidence.
Call 1-888-294-0076 to speak with a Certified Financial Counsellor today.