68% didn’t know their partner’s full financial picture until they moved in together and half of couples would like to talk more about their day-to-day finances
Joint accounts are no longer the norm – Gen Z and Millennials are increasingly having completely separate accounts
provides loyalty resources To help couples and families grow and protect their wealth.
Boston, May 19, 2026–(business telegram)–Fidelity Investments® released its data today 2026 pairs and wealth studyRevealing that despite the complexities of managing money as a couple, most partners feel confident in their relationships and say that financial habits play a major role in keeping their bond strong. The study also identifies opportunities for couples to strengthen their financial partnership through more open communication. While most couples feel good about their ability to communicate with their partner, less than a third regularly talk about day-to-day finances or long-term financial decisions, nearly half (49%) avoid conversations about money to prevent arguments — and nearly 1 in 4 admit to keeping financial secrets from their partner.
“Talking openly about money is more than just a financial exercise – it’s a great way for couples to feel even more connected,” says Amanda Lott, head of financial planning and advice capabilities at Fidelity Investments. “Although these conversations may feel uncomfortable at first, approaching them together early and often can help partners build more trust, support each other through challenges, and stay united on what’s most important.”
The Fidelity study also revealed that many couples need some time to fully understand each other’s overall financial picture. Sixty-eight percent say they did not know their partner’s full financial situation before moving in together, and nearly 1 in 5 took more than a year to live together. And, identifies opportunities for study participants to deepen their trust and understanding. For example, while most couples see themselves as good financial partners, the study shows that half of couples wish they talked more about their day-to-day finances – especially Gen Z (64%) and Millennials (63%).
Young couples embrace financial independence
While combining finances may once have been the traditional norm, today’s couples are rewriting the rules. Only 42% combine their finances in joint accounts while nearly 1 in 5 keep everything separate. Younger generations are driving this shift: 34% of Gen Z and 26% of Millennials prefer to keep their accounts completely separate. Independence also plays a role, with two-thirds of respondents saying it is important to maintain some financial autonomy.
Young couples are also changing the narrative when it comes to preparing for the unexpected. In fact, more than 1 in 4 Gen Z couples claim they have a formal or informal prenuptial agreement. This is more than twice as high as the general population, despite 50% of couples saying they sometimes think about what would happen to them financially if their relationship ended.
“The rules for how young couples manage money are changing, but one thing hasn’t changed: Communication matters,” says Lott. “Whether you have a prenup, share accounts or keep them separate, talking openly is the key to making money a source of strength — not conflict.”
The emotional impact of managing money together
Money can be extremely personal and emotional. The study found that 58% of couples say they do not contribute equally to household finances, and nearly 1 in 4 admitted that the imbalance affects their relationship. Additionally, partners who contribute less financially sometimes struggle with feelings of guilt and are unable to pull their weight. These sentiments highlight the importance of empathy and open communication, because managing money together is ultimately about mutual understanding.
Despite these obstacles, the good news is that love and financial harmony continue to win when examining how couples define a happy relationship. Couples report that the top factor for a successful relationship is being on the same page with their financial habits (53%). When asked what really helps, 52% of couples say planning fun with experiences like date nights, hobbies, and vacations is the best way to make money while strengthening their relationship. In almost every scenario, respondents chose a romantic option rather than financial gain, suggesting that shared experiences are still the ultimate investment.
Couples who talk about finances may feel more prepared – fidelity can help
Fidelity’s research shows that couples who collaborate on financial decisions feel more prepared and more united. Still, the study shows there is room for progress – most couples (69%) are not regularly talking about long-term finances, even though many wish they did (41%). Creating space for these visionary conversations and encouraging both partners to participate can help them feel more secure and united about their future. While most couples see themselves as good financial partners, Fidelity offers several suggestions to help couples start conversations about money:
Make it a “Money Debt” – Take time to relax, maybe once a month talk about finances. Keep it positive by focusing not just on bills, but on shared goals like vacations or household projects.
start small – Start with “low-risk” conversations like budgeting for fun or planning a date night. Once you’re comfortable, move into bigger conversations about savings, debt, and long-term plans.
Use assistive devices – Fidelity Offers planning tools To make it easier to see the big picture together. Having clear numbers on the screen can help keep emotions in check.
ask for help when you need it – If the conversation starts to feel burdensome, consider talking to a financial professional. Loyalty Licensed Financial Advisor Couples may find it helpful to get their full financial picture together and plan with intention — whether finances are joint, kept separate, or somewhere in between.
For those who want to know how they can have in-depth conversations about money and planning Fidelity Center for Family Engagement Provides research, coaching, tools, resources, and skill-building experiences. loyalty also provides support For every type of investor, regardless of client preference A more self-led experienceOr money management For those with more complex planning and investment needs.
About 2026 Couples and Money Study
Verista Research conducted a national survey of 3,193 married or partnered American adults aged 18 or older who were married or in a long-term relationship (including domestic partnership or civil union) for three or more years. Sampling, fieldwork screening, and weighting were designed to accurately represent the target population by age, gender, race, ethnicity, income, and education using data from the U.S. Census Bureau. The survey was conducted from October 14 to November 2, 2025. Assuming no sampling bias, the maximum margin of error for the full-sample estimate is ±2%.
About Fidelity Investments
Fidelity’s goal is to strengthen the financial well-being of our clients and deliver better outcomes for the customers and businesses we serve. Fidelity’s strength comes from the scale of our diverse, market-leading financial services businesses that serve individuals, families, employers, wealth management firms and institutions. With $17.9 trillion of assets under administration, including $7.0 trillion of assets under management as of March 31, 2026, we are focused on meeting the unique needs of a broad and growing client base. Privately held for 79 years, Fidelity employs more than 80,000 associates in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific. For more information about Fidelity Investments, visit https://www.fidelity.com/about-fidelity/our-company.
Keep in mind that investing involves risk. The value of your investments will fluctuate over time, and you may gain or lose money.
Fidelity does not provide legal or tax advice. Consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific situation.
Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
The views expressed are as of the date stated, based on information available at that time, and may change depending on market or other conditions. Fidelity assumes no duty to update any information.
Fidelity Center for Family Engagement is an affiliated business unit of FMR, LLC and is operated externally by Fidelity’s broker dealer and registered investment advisor entities (“Affiliated Entities”). The services available through FCFE are neither brokerage nor advisory products or offerings of affiliated entities.
Investment advisory services are provided through Strategic Advisors LLC, a registered investment advisor, for a fee. Brokerage services are provided through Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC, member NYSE, SIPC. Both are Fidelity Investments companies.
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