Dating and debt: the relationship between love and money

An image of a man and woman at a cafe. The woman is sitting at a table with a cup of coffee, and the man has approached her and is standing next to her giving her a flower.

Love may not cost a thing but finding it can be pricey. Between dating apps, dinners, and dressing up, the average Canadian expects to spend between $80-100 on a first date. It’s no wonder 1 in 5 have cut back on dating to spare their bank accounts.

In the six months since our last survey, loneliness statistics have risen by 6%. To find out why, we asked Canadians how they’re feeling about their relationships with money and each other.

The real cost of dating

Love isn’t free. Most Canadians expect to pay $100-200 for a first date. Gen-Z are the only group to break this mold with more than one third only spending $20-50 for a first date.

Staying home saves money

One is the least expensive number. 1 in 5 Canadians have cut back on dating because of the cost. 41% have even spent less time with friends in the last year to save money.

Debt still causes stress between couples

What’s money got to do with it? A lot! 37% of people have had a relationship negatively impacted by debt. This rises to nearly half for couples with children.

In it for the savings

29% of Canadians now admit to staying in a relationship for financial reasons, 6% more than in our last survey. This is even higher for women, one third of which admit to sticking out an unhappy relationship because of money.

Loneliness and debt can be defeated

Debt and loneliness are both solvable problems. If you’re ready to start a new relationship with your money, our debt solutions professionals are here to help. With a Licensed Insolvency Trustee, you can take back control of your financial future. Start today by booking your free, no-obligation debt consultation.

Take the first step to debt freedom

Speak to one of our debt solutions professionals during a free, no-obligation consultation.

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