Financial health is now more important than good looks when it comes to finding a new partner, according to research. PHOTO BY KAROLINE GRABOWSKA/PEXELS
Financial health is now more important than good looks when it comes to finding a new partner, according to research.
A poll of 2,000 adults found 38% are likely to be attracted to someone who is good with money.
This ranked as more appealing than physical appearance, marriage and wanting to start a family.
Love seekers think someone who is fiscally responsible is more attractive than someone who is in good shape (33%) and shares the same political beliefs (23%).
When thinking more long-term, 65% believe financial and sexual compatibility are equally important.
But 57% said they would rather be with someone who is ‘their type on paper’, even if they are not as career driven as they would like.
The research was commissioned by NatWest, which has teamed up with dating expert Charlene Douglas to launch the free ‘Know Your Credit Score’ tool for everyone as part of the bank’s pledge to help more people improve their financial wellness.
Douglas said: “Checking in on your financial wellness helps you feel like you’re in control.
“It also brings with it a sense of pride and determination that radiates to those around you.
“By understanding your partner’s financial habits and priorities and having regular, open conversations to align on those priorities, you can work together to achieve goals and reduce conflict in your romantic relationships.”
The study also revealed one in 20 would love more singletons to include their credit score and annual leave allowance on their online dating profiles.
While 36% want to see fewer people describe themselves as ‘crazy’ or ‘mad’ when they are swiping right or left.
Three in 10 don’t like inspirational quotes on profiles and talk about star signs is a big turn-off for 29%.
But 68% think online dating would be much simpler if everyone was honest about their financial health.
It also emerged 45% actually feel more attractive when they have their money in order.
And 67% think this feeling can improve relationships overall.
Outside of the relationship bubble, 80% feel more positive about life in general when they’re on top of their money.
But 45% would potentially call it quits with a partner if they prioritized going out over their economic stability.
And it would be a deal breaker for 44% if their other half was always in their overdraft.
IMore said it is a dumpable offense not showing ambition to buy a home (32), compared to a willingness to travel (24%), the OnePoll survey found.
At the dating stage, it takes as many as six meetings on average before people are comfortable talking about finances.
But for a quarter, a bad credit score can put them off.
Phil Sheehy, head of short-term borrowing at NatWest, said: “Relationships can be built on an understanding of how to manage money.
“Ultimately, this has a big role when things get serious.
“When starting out in any new relationship, it has never been more important couples have these shared values when it comes to their finances.
“That’s why we have created the Know Your Credit Score tool which is a free service available to everyone to help give personalized insights and tools to help them understand their finances and grow their financial compatibility.”
TOP 15 THINGS BRITS VALUE WHEN SEEKING A NEW PARTNER:
Produced in association with SWNS Talker
Edited by Saba Fatima and Asad Ali
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