The economy is a top priority for single Americans these days.
A recent Harris Poll survey of 2,177 American adults found that 74% said financial security was one of the most attractive characteristics in a date. Meanwhile, 60% report that practical alignment, especially when it comes to money, is more important than compatibility in today’s economy.
“Historically, dating has been about emotion first: the spark, the excitement, the romance,” says Tim Osiecki, director of thought leadership and trends at the Harris Poll.
“What we’re seeing now is almost the opposite,” he says. “The people are at the forefront with stability and the spark is secondary.”
Americans also flag certain behaviors as red flags. Here are four of the biggest trading problems in dating.
People who expect you to pay most of the time (45%) People with unstable employment (42%) People with bad spending habits (42%) People with credit card debt (34%)
Osiecki cites a variety of economic reasons for focusing on financial habits, including rising housing costs, rising costs for everyday items like groceries and utilities, and student loans and credit card debt.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, coffee prices in November 2025 were up about 19% from a year earlier, and beef prices were up about 15%. Housing costs also rose more than 14% between September 2023 and September 2025, according to the BLS.
“Increasingly, having a financially stable partner feels like the difference between a sense of security and constant stress,” he says.
Jackie Combs, a marriage and family law attorney at Blank Rome, has seen financial topics frequently come up for clients during divorce and prenuptial negotiations.
Ultimately, finding the right partner “is about harmony,” she says. It’s important to know what you want and have an open and honest conversation with your partner or potential partner.
“Who you marry is the biggest financial decision of your life,” she says, whether it’s the person you date tomorrow or the person you meet next year.
Want to improve your communication, confidence, and success at work? Take CNBC’s new online course, Mastering Body Language for Influence. Sign up now and use coupon code EARLYBIRD to get 20% off your first discount. Offer valid from February 9th to February 23rd, 2026. Terms and conditions apply.
