Super
01 April, 2025

5 tips to navigate finances in your relationship

Dating can feel like ticking off boxes: Fit? Tick. Good cook? Tick. Cat lover? Tick. But when it comes to building a meaningful connection, financial fitness might be just as important as all those other qualities.

According to research,1 two-thirds of Aussies want to know their partner’s financial situation before things get serious.

 

Why it matters

In today’s economy, with the cost-of-living crisis, inflation and housing shortages, more people are looking for a partner who provides financial stability. Research1 has shown that over a third of survey respondents think their potential partner should be debt-free, excluding a mortgage. Credit cards, payday loans, and personal loans top the ‘bad’ debt list (82%, 78% and 73% respectively). Car loans are also a dealbreaker for many (57.5%). 
 
While financial issues can be a turn-off, keeping communication open can make a big difference.

 

How to have ‘the talk’ about money

Money can be a sensitive topic, but it’s crucial to talk about it in a relationship. Here are some suggestions for approaching it:

  1. Keep an open mind. Be curious about your partner’s perspective on money. Understand that their upbringing, career and values all feed into their money mindset.
  2. Don’t avoid it. Having regular conversations about money can feel awkward at first, but it’s way better than discovering down the line that you and your partner are on completely different pages when it comes to financial goals.
  3. Be honest. If you’re a shopaholic and your partner is more of a saver, that’s ok, but it’s important to be upfront about your money habits to avoid misunderstandings later.
  4. Take charge together. Learn about money, set financial goals as a couple, and support each other in making them happen.
  5. Keep some things separate. While can can work on joint goals, it can be smart to keep some of your finances separate to protect your future.

 

We can’t offer dating advice, but when it comes to super advice, we’ve got your back! As part of your membership2 you can chat with a super adviser about building a bigger super balance, super tax advantages, your appetite for risk, and making sure you’re protected with the right insurance.2 It’s at no extra cost to you, so give us a call on 1800 005 166.
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Information correct as at 24 March 2025.

 
1eHarmony. (2024, April 4). Why Aussies aren’t going for broke: Research shows daters want solvent partners. https://www.newscentre.com.au/releases.html?id=1003263&headline=why-aussies-arent-going-for-broke-research-shows-daters-want-solvent-partners 

2Advice is provided by CareSuper Advice (ABN 78 102 167 877, AFSL 284443). A copy of the Financial services guide for CareSuper is available at caresuper.com.au/fsg.

CareSuper Pty Ltd (Trustee) (ABN 14 008 650 628, AFSL 238718). CareSuper (Fund) (ABN 74 559 365 913). Any advice is provided by CareSuper Advice Pty Ltd (ABN 78 102 167 877, AFSL 284443). Consider the PDS and TMD at caresuper.com.au/pds. A copy of the Financial services guide for CareSuper is available at caresuper.com.au/fsg.

This is general information only and doesn’t take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making a decision about CareSuper, you should consider if this information is right for you. You may also wish to consult a licensed financial adviser.

We're giving you this information in good faith. It comes from sources we think are reliable and helpful. However, we can't guarantee its accuracy and take no responsibility for this content, including any errors or omissions.