Single women say their ideal partner will earn a salary of $172,000 annually, significantly higher than the $101,000 single men identify. However, 59% of single Americans also say income isn’t important. A Northwestern Mutual survey says poor money habits in general can be a “dealbreaker” in relationships, with the majority identifying financial compatibility as more important than emotional chemistry, physical attraction or intellectual connection. Excessive gambling and risk-taking are particularly strong turnoffs, as are hiding or lying about purchases and high credit card debt. “With online prediction markets, sports betting and cryptocurrencies, high-risk financial assets are now accessible in just a few clicks,” says Jeff Sippel, Northwestern Mutual chief strategy officer. “People risk losing more than money. They can lose their partner’s trust.”
