More than half of Canadian couples lose sleep over money-related fights, while one in ten considers breaking up
Financial stress is weighing heavily on Canadian couples, with many reporting arguments over money and the toll it takes on their well-being.
According to the ‘2025 Love and Money survey from Money Mentors,’ an Alberta-based non-profit credit counselling agency, 47 percent of Canadians have experienced financial disagreements with their partner.
Among them, 53 percent reported losing sleep after their ‘money fights,’ underscoring the emotional strain of financial uncertainty.
Beyond disrupting sleep, financial stress is affecting relationships on a deeper level.
One in 10 Canadians said their financial situation has led them to consider breaking up, separating, or divorcing their partner.
Millennials and Gen X are the most likely to consider ending a relationship due to financial stress, at 13 percent and 14 percent, respectively, compared to nine percent of Boomers and six percent of Gen Z respondents.
The survey also found that financial conflicts increase anxiety and depression, with 66 percent of those affected by money fights saying they feel more anxious or depressed as a result.
The consequences of financial stress extend beyond personal relationships.
Among those who reported negative effects, 26 percent felt less patient with important people in their lives after an argument about money, and 23 percent said their productivity at work suffered the next day.
In some cases, financial tension has led to secrecy, with 10 percent of Millennials admitting they have lied about their financial situation to avoid conflict, followed by eight percent of Gen X, seven percent of Boomers, and three percent of Gen Z.
While financial transparency is common among Canadian couples, the survey found varying degrees of openness.
Ninety percent of respondents said they discuss finances with their partner, but only 52 percent share everything, including a joint bank account. Another 38 percent share only essential financial information while maintaining separate accounts.
Meanwhile, 10 percent of Canadians said their approach to financial disclosure depends on the situation or that they avoid discussing finances altogether.
Spending habits remain a major source of conflict. Among those who have experienced financial disagreements, 48 percent cited day-to-day spending as the primary issue.
Other common sources of conflict include a lack of savings (38 percent), seasonal and irregular spending (34 percent), and overuse of credit (27 percent).
As financial pressure continues to mount, relationships are increasingly affected by economic uncertainty.
Stacy Yanchuk Oleksy, CEO of Money Mentors, emphasized the emotional toll of financial struggles.
“Money stress can feel overwhelming, especially with the current state of our economic climate and the rising cost of living. This survey shows just how deeply financial struggles impact relationships, mental health, and overall well-being,” she said.
The survey was conducted by Money Mentors from February 4 to February 5, among 1,502 online respondents who are members of the Angus Reid Forum. For comparison purposes, a probability sample of this size carries a margin of error of +/-2.53 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
