From rising grocery bills to skyrocketing rent, the current economic climate is doing more than just shrinking wallets—it is fundamentally reshaping the romantic landscape in British Columbia. As Valentine’s Day approaches, the TD Love and Money survey reveals that British Columbians are ditching traditional grand gestures for “financial compatibility,” prioritizing partners who share their money mindset over those with the flashiest lifestyles. With a third of residents now opting for budget-friendly dates and many admitting that bad spending habits are an instant dealbreaker, it is clear that in 2026, the way to someone’s heart is through a shared budget.
To help couples navigate these high-stakes conversations, Louise Fry, Senior Investment Advisor at TD Wealth, is sharing her expertise on bridging the “money talk” gap. In this Q&A, we dive into the survey’s most surprising local findings—including why 29% of British Columbians now view a prenup as a romantic essential. —Noa Nichol
TD’s survey shows dating habits are shifting—how are British Columbians redefining what a “good date” looks like when budgets are tighter?
For British Columbians, a “good date” is less about what you spend and more about how connected you feel. The findings from TD’s Love and Money survey show that 33% of British Columbians are now opting for low- or no-cost dates, and 25% are going on fewer dates overall due to economic conditions.
What’s interesting is that expectations are evolving beyond the activity itself. More people are paying attention to shared values, priorities and financial compatibility. A good date today might be a walk, a coffee or time at home – but it’s meaningful because it reflects alignment and intention, not price.
With nearly 30% prioritizing financial compatibility more than ever, what does being “money-aligned” actually mean for couples today?
Being “money-aligned” doesn’t mean earning the same income or having identical spending habits. It’s really about shared expectations, openness and understanding how each person approaches money. Nationally, our survey shows that more than half of Canadians (54%) say financial transparency is essential when choosing a partner, while responsible spending habits (51%) and shared financial goals (51%) are equally important.
In British Columbia, those themes are even more pronounced. Fifty-seven per cent of residents say having similar financial goals matters, while 54% prioritize transparency and compatible spending habits. For couples today, being money-aligned means having honest conversations about what matters, how money is handled, and how future goals will be supported together.
Why do you think financial transparency is still so difficult, even when 58% say lying about money could end a relationship?
Money carries a lot of emotion, which can make transparency hard – even when people know how important it is. Fear of judgment, conflict, or rocking the boat can cause couples to delay or avoid these conversations altogether.
The Love and Money survey highlights this tension clearly. In British Columbia, 58% say lying about finances could end a relationship, yet 34% have never had a meaningful money conversation or delayed it until after moving in together or getting married. Another 30% admit to keeping a financial secret from their partner. It shows that while honesty is deeply valued, it can still feel uncomfortable to practice, especially during uncertain economic times.
What are the most common financial secrets couples keep—and how can those secrets quietly erode trust over time?
Nationally, the most common financial secrets revealed in our survey involve shopping habits, debt and investments, with smaller proportions tied to luxury spending or salary details. While these omissions may seem small in isolation, financial secrecy can quietly undermine trust over time.
When one partner doesn’t have the full picture, it becomes harder to plan, budget or make decisions together. While not every purchase needs to be disclosed, larger or ongoing financial secrets can create stress, resentment, and a sense of imbalance in the relationship.
From splitting the bill to sharing long-term goals, when is the right time for couples to have the first real “money talk”?
Ideally, the first real money conversation should happen before a major commitment creates shared financial responsibility – such as moving in together, taking on joint expenses or planning long-term goals.
Yet many couples still wait. Our survey shows that 38% of Canadians delay this conversation until after moving in together or getting married, and 15% never have it at all. In British Columbia, 34% report the same delay. Starting early – talking about priorities, spending habits, debt, and savings – helps avoid surprises and builds a stronger financial foundation.
The data shows prenups are becoming more mainstream—what’s driving this shift, and how can couples approach prenups without killing the romance?
Prenuptial agreements are becoming more common as couples place greater value on clarity and alignment. In British Columbia, 32% of our survey respondents say they would ask – or have asked – their partner to sign a prenup.
Rather than being unromantic, prenups can be framed as a planning conversation. They give couples space to talk openly about their financial situations, expectations, and responsibilities before marriage or a common-law relationship. When approached thoughtfully, these discussions can actually strengthen trust and reduce future misunderstandings.
Bad spending habits and risky investments ranked high as dealbreakers—what financial behaviours tend to signal deeper relationship issues?
Financial behaviours often signal deeper challenges when they reflect misaligned values, poor communication, or unequal responsibility. We found a significant portion of Canadians would consider ending a relationship over financial dishonesty (53%), bad spending habits (43%), or risky investments (28%).
In B.C., those concerns are even stronger. Fifty-eight per cent would consider a breakup if a partner lies about finances, 41% cite bad spending habits, and 35% point to risky investments. These behaviours often indicate broader issues around trust, fairness, and shared decision-making.
For couples going on fewer or cheaper dates, how can they still build connection without feeling financially stressed or resentful?
Open communication really matters here. In British Columbia, where many couples are choosing low- or no-cost dates or going out less often, it’s important that both partners are aligned on expectations.
Talking early about spending boundaries, priorities, and even agreeing on a shared entertainment budget can help. Regular check-ins prevent misunderstandings and ensure that changes feel like joint decisions – not sacrifices made by one person alone.
What practical steps can couples take to strengthen their financial well-being together—especially during periods of economic uncertainty?
While money can be a source of stress, it can also be something couples work through together. Practical steps include being transparent about debt, savings and priorities so both partners understand where they stand.
Sharing spending habits and tracking expenses together can also help. For TD clients, tools like the TD MySpend app make it easier to see where money goes each month. Creating a budget and setting clear ground rules – especially when sharing housing or bills – provides structure and reduces tension.
Aligning on short- and long-term goals is equally important. Whether it’s saving for a wedding, a down payment on a house or a condo, or a vacation, having shared goals helps couples stay focused and make decisions with confidence. These steps matter, especially since 30% of British Columbians with shared budgets say they struggle to stick to them. Approaching finances as a team can make a meaningful difference.
If there’s one money conversation British Columbians should have before moving in or getting married, what should it be—and why?
The most important conversation to have before moving in together or getting married is about shared expectations and responsibilities – how money will be earned, spent, saved, and managed together.
This directly reflects what British Columbians say they value most: shared financial goals (57%), financial transparency (54%), and compatible spending habits (54%). It also addresses the biggest sources of relationship strain identified in the survey, including financial dishonesty (58%) and unequal contribution (38%). Having this conversation early helps couples build trust and move forward with clarity and confidence.
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