Money Over Romance: A Shocking Trend Among Gen Z
A Surprising Shift in Priorities
Leave the fiancé, take the 401k. A recent survey by Tawkify has unveiled a striking preference among Gen Z: 46% would prioritize financial stability over love. That’s right—nearly half of young daters are willing to choose long-term wealth over the emotional highs of romance. Furthermore, about one in three Gen Zers would even consider rekindling a romance with an ex if they struck it rich.
What Does Wealth Represent?
Brie Temple, Tawkify’s Chief Matchmaker, emphasizes the deeper implications of wealth. She explains that “money equals safety, security, and freedom.” For many, taking back an ex who has found financial success is more than about the cash—it’s about what that financial gain represents: security, ambition, and personal growth since the breakup.
Will money always trump love for Gen Z?
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Insights from the Survey
Conducted in June 2025, the survey gathered insights from 1,000 Americans about the current state of dating. While Gen Xers led the charge in financial caution (with 52% choosing money over romance), Gen Z closely followed.
Interestingly, a staggering 10% of Gen Z women believe their ideal partner should earn $200,000 or more, and the majority won’t settle for anything below $80,000, highlighting a clear shift in dating expectations.
Source: NYP Post
Millennials: The Love-Struck Generation
While Gen Z and Gen X exhibit a clear financial focus, Millennials are the most romantic, with 59% expressing a preference for a “broke and magical” relationship over financial security. When looking at the broader American population, a whopping 63% would choose love even if it meant enduring financial struggles.
A deeper look at shifting priorities among generations
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Love with Financial Conditions
Surprisingly, Gen Z’s focus on finance isn’t just about income levels. The survey reveals that 46% of them wouldn’t date someone who is unemployed, highlighting a preference that even surpasses political disagreements when it comes to relationship dealbreakers.
Temple points out the evolving dynamics in modern dating: “We’re asking more about how people handle money and their long-term financial compatibility.”
Shared Finances and Relationship Dynamics
A staggering 70% of respondents across all age groups admitted to staying in relationships longer than they should because of shared financial responsibilities. For many, these financial ties become the invisible thread that binds couples together, even when love may have faded.
How financial ties influence love connections
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Gen Z’s Unique Financial Context
Marisa Cohen, a marriage and family therapist, emphasizes that Gen Z’s mindset is heavily influenced by economic turbulence. “The pressure to focus on finances is significant due to economic uncertainty throughout their lives.” The lingering effects of the 2008 recession and rising student debt have made financial stability a crucial factor in seeking long-term relationships.
Dating—A New Approach
Damona Hoffman, a certified dating coach, suggests that discussions about finances are happening earlier in modern dating. “Daters are terrified of partnering with someone with bad credit or unmanaged debt.”
The modern dating landscape: navigating love and money
Credit: Jack Forbes / NY Post Design
Romance Still Holds Appeal
Despite these financial considerations, a majority of Gen Z (54%) still maintain a romantic side, stating they would prefer a “broke and magical” relationship over one that is financially affluent but emotionally empty.
Temple concludes, “Gen Z is dating with their eyes wide open. They seek love, but only when it fits into a life that feels secure and aligned with their personal aspirations.”
Final Thoughts
The correlation between money and romance in Gen Z’s dating culture highlights a profound shift that reflects broader societal trends. With financial stability taking precedence, it seems that for this generation, love must not only be felt but also financially grounded. As the dating landscape continues to evolve, one thing is certain: money and love will forever dance a delicate tango.
