Financial Stress Puts Ontario Relationships at Risk as Valentine's Day Approaches
As Valentine's Day nears, a sobering new study reveals that financial pressures are placing significant strain on relationships across Ontario. The 2026 Love and Money Benchmark Survey, conducted by Money Mentors in partnership with Angus Reid, found that one in six Ontarians (16%) admit that financial stress has made them consider ending their relationship.
Widespread Impact on Relationships and Mental Health
The comprehensive survey, which polled 1,502 adult Canadians online from January 29 to February 2, uncovered troubling patterns in how money matters affect personal relationships. Twenty-six percent of Ontarians reported that financial factors negatively impacted their relationship or dating life in the past year alone.
Among those in relationships, nearly half (46%) reported being affected after arguing about money. The consequences extend beyond relationship tension, with 32% experiencing increased anxiety and/or depression and 21% reporting poor sleep as a result of financial disagreements.
Deception and Communication Breakdowns
Perhaps most concerning is the finding that 11% of Ontarians admit to lying to their partner about their financial situation to avoid conflict. This communication breakdown suggests that many couples struggle to have honest conversations about money matters.
The most frequent causes of financial disagreements identified in the survey include:
- Day-to-day spending (13%)
- Lack of savings (8%)
Financial Transparency and Relationship Dynamics
Despite these challenges, the survey also revealed some positive patterns in financial communication. Thirty-five percent of Ontarians in relationships reported having no financial disagreements with their partner, while 53% said they are very open and share everything, including maintaining a joint bank account.
However, financial arrangements vary significantly among couples:
- 37% keep separate accounts but share important financial information
- 9% say they are not open about their finances
Expert Perspective on the Growing Crisis
Stacy Yanchuk Oleksy, CEO of Money Mentors, emphasized the seriousness of these findings in a statement. "The rise in Canadians questioning their relationships because of money is a serious red flag," she said.
"Financial stress is no longer just about dollars and debt. It's showing up as anxiety, lost sleep, and tension at home. When couples feel stuck or ashamed to talk about money, the stress only grows, and reaching out for support can be the first step toward relief, clarity, and a sense of partnership again."
Survey Methodology and Significance
The survey carries a margin of error of +/-2.53 percentage points, 19 times out of 20, making it a statistically significant representation of Ontario residents' experiences with financial stress in relationships. These findings come at a time when economic pressures continue to affect households across the province, highlighting the need for better financial communication and support systems for couples facing money-related challenges.
