Financial green flags matter more than red flags in relationships, JPMorgan study finds

A new study from JPMorgan Wealth Management sheds light on how American investors view money in the context of their personal relationships, revealing a landscape where financial compatibility is often as important as emotional connection.

According to the 2025 Investor Study, more than two-thirds of investors surveyed (68%) identified financial “dealbreakers” that would prevent them from pursuing a relationship.

The report found an even larger share (86%) said they look for “dealmakers,” or positive financial traits, in a potential partner. The most commonly cited green flags include financial independence (61%), good budgeting skills (55%), strong personal finance knowledge (34%), and an active approach to investing (31%).

While money remains a sensitive subject for many, generational differences are emerging. Eight in ten investors said they would not discuss personal finances on a first date, but thirty-five percent of Gen Z and Millennial respondents said they would, compared to just 7% of Boomers.

Focusing on women investors, the survey found three-quarters of Gen Z and Millennial women surveyed believe financial conversations should happen within the first one to nine dates, while three-quarters of Boomer women prefer to wait until the tenth date or later.

“Money is still a taboo conversation topic, but that's starting to change,” the report said.

Read more: Why financial honesty is key to harmonious relationships

The study, which surveyed 1,045 Americans aged 25 and older with at least $25,000 in investable assets, found that most couples are navigating financial matters together. Sixty percent of respondents reported having the same or similar relationship with money as their spouse or partner, and 62% said they are comfortable relying on a partner for financial support.

"Women in relationships are playing an active role in their finances," the report said. "Seventy-five percent of women respondents say they either make decisions together with their partner or take the lead themselves."

A new BMO survey also highlights the need for married women to be involved in their finances, as it can help head off risks during divorce. According to the survey, 40% of women who let their spouse be the sole CFO reported a lower-than-expected divorce settlement, compared to just 9% who shared the responsibility and 10% who took on money matters themselves.

BMO found just 36% of women respondents felt confident handling their finances during the divorce, compared to 64% when married. Meanwhile, a higher percentage of those who shared the financial load with their partners (68%) said they were as just as confident during divorce as they were during the marriage.

"Divorce is not only an emotionally traumatic experience, but it can also be a financially traumatic one, too," said Michele Havens, head of BMO US Wealth Management. "Women who were inactive in their household's finances during their marriage often feel unprepared and blindsided by the financial stressors that a divorce brings. 

Read more: Love and money: The challenges of separating the two when marriage breaks down

JPMorgan's research also found 63% of Boomer women have received an inheritance, while 45% of those in Gen X and 39% among Gen Z and millennials expect one. Among women would-be inheritors, 93% said they're not depending on the money to reach their financial goals, with three in four women respondents confident they're on track to meet those objectives.

Nearly three-fourths of women (73%) said money gives them a sense of "security," while 64% of Gen Z and millennial women tie having money more to "freedom."