Nearly half of Gen Z would choose cash over love, survey finds

Leave the fiancé, take the 401k.

A shocking 46% of Gen Zers would choose long-term monetary stability over romance, and near 1 in 3 mentioned they’d even take a former associate again if that ex acquired wealthy, based on a brand new dating survey by matchmaking service Tawkify.

“Money equals safety, security and freedom,” Brie Temple, Tawkify’s CCO and chief matchmaker, informed The Post. “Taking an ex back because they got rich isn’t just about the bank account. It’s about what that wealth symbolizes: security, ambition and maybe a sense that they’ve ‘leveled up’ since the breakup.”

The June 2025 survey requested 1,000 Americans about how cash shapes courting right this moment. Gen Xers have been essentially the most financially cautious, with 52% saying they’d select cash over love — however Gen Z wasn’t far behind.

They’ve acquired a quantity in thoughts, too: 1 in 10 Gen Z ladies say their best match must be making $200,000 or extra, and most received’t accept something beneath $80,000.

By distinction, Millennials have been essentially the most love-struck: 59% mentioned they’d moderately have a “broke and magical” relationship than one with monetary safety.

And throughout the bigger inhabitants, about 63% of Americans mentioned they’d marry for love, even when it meant a lifetime of economic battle.

Still, for a lot of daters, love has a restrict — and a minimal wage. Nearly half of Gen Z, 46%, mentioned they wouldn’t date somebody who’s unemployed, even when they have been drawn to them, an element that beat out political variations as a dealbreaker.

Today’s singles of all ages care about extra than simply revenue, they’re sizing up spending habits, financial savings targets and long-term monetary compatibility, Temple informed The Post.

“We’re asking more about how people handle money, what kind of lifestyle they want and how they see their future,” she mentioned. “Even if two people really get along, different views on finances can cause problems later.”

Nearly 70% of respondents throughout all generations mentioned they’ve stayed in relationships longer than they need to have due to shared funds, with 1 / 4 noting the connection was long-term.

Gen Z’s mindset is formed by years of financial instability, together with the aftermath of the 2008 recession, ballooning pupil debt and pandemic-era job losses, mentioned Marisa Cohen, a Long Island-based marriage and household therapist.

“The pressure to focus on finances likely feels so urgent because of the economic uncertainty Gen Z has dealt with through most of their lives,” she informed The Post. “Being tied to a relationship in which there is financial insecurity or uncertainty may compete with their own personal goals and pursuits.”

And cash discuss now occurs earlier and might make or break a connection, mentioned Damona Hoffman, an authorized courting coach and creator of “F the Fairy Tale: Rewrite the Dating Myths and Live Your Own Love Story.”

“Daters are terrified of partnering with someone who has bad credit or unmanaged debt,” she mentioned. “You could have a fancy car, a nice apartment and put your dates on credit cards but be sitting on mounds of high-interest loans.”

Still, Gen Z hasn’t completely dominated out romance. A slim majority, 54%, mentioned they’d nonetheless select a “broke and magical” relationship over one which’s wealthy and lifeless.

“Gen Z is dating with their eyes wide open,” Temple mentioned. “They still want love but only when it fits into a life that feels secure, balanced and true to who they are.”