Study Uncovers Preferences Regarding Marriage: Love versus Financial Gain
In a recent survey conducted by the online matchmaking service Tawkify, 1,000 Americans shared their thoughts on love and money in their dating lives. The findings reveal an intriguing shift in priorities, with a nearly even split between those who prioritize love over financial security and those who prioritize money.
According to the survey results, 54% of respondents prefer a "broke and magical" relationship over financial security, while 46% prioritize a "rich and boring" relationship. This trend is particularly prominent among younger generations, with millennials and Gen Z showing a preference for emotional fulfillment and meaningful connections.
Women, in particular, are more likely to choose love over money. A significant 58% of women surveyed stated that they would opt for a "broke but magical" relationship, compared to only 51% of men. Interestingly, Gen X tends to favor financial security, likely influenced by the economic challenges they have faced.
The survey also highlighted the importance of financial stability in finding a partner. Forty-eight percent of people said they wouldn't even consider dating someone who didn't have a job, and 46% would choose money over love if forced to make the choice. However, it's not all about the money. Forty-four percent claimed it was just a temporary situation, but 25% said it was a long-term commitment.
The survey results also show that finances are a big reason why people stay in relationships, even when the love is gone. A 2023 report by Lending Tree found that 23% of all couples are primarily staying in their current relationships due to financial dependency.
However, there's a growing emphasis on intentional, meaningful connections rather than superficial or materialistic criteria. The Tawkify Summer 2025 Dating Trends Report reflects this shift, with singles valuing authentic experiences and deeper emotional bonds. This is demonstrated by their preference for activity-based dates and willingness to travel long distances for genuine connections.
Despite the importance of financial stability, it seems that love is still a powerful force. Almost 2 in 3 Americans (63%) said they would marry for love, even if it meant they would struggle financially for their whole lives.
In a surprising twist, almost 1 in 3 Americans (30%) would consider getting back with an ex if that person became rich. The reasons for this include the belief that the person had grown (44%), a strong physical connection (38%), or unresolved feelings (38%).
In conclusion, while financial security remains important, there is a noticeable trend—especially among younger generations—to prioritize emotional fulfillment and meaningful connection over money when it comes to romantic relationships. The survey results underscore the complex interplay of love and money in the modern dating landscape.
[1] Tawkify's Summer 2025 Dating Trends Report [2] Tawkify's Summer 2025 Dating Trends Report [3] U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (average salary for 2025) [4] Tawkify's 2023 Love and Money Survey
- The survey results indicate that a significant number of respondents, specifically 54%, favor a relationship that prioritizes love over financial security, which is referred to as "broke and magical".
- Interestingly, this preference for emotional fulfillment and meaningful connections, particularly among younger generations, is more prominent among women, with 58% of women surveyed stating this preference.
- Financial stability is found to be critical for many individuals when it comes to dating, with 48% stating they wouldn't even consider dating someone who doesn't have a job.
- The survey also reveals that finances play a significant role in relationships, with 23% of couples citing financial dependency as the major reason for staying in a relationship, even when love may be absent.
- Strikingly, 30% of Americans would consider getting back with an ex if that person became rich, with the belief that the person had grown (44%) and strong physical connections (38%) often being the primary reasons.
