Take our free financial compatibility quiz for couples and discover how aligned you really are on money, goals and long term plans.
Nailing Valentine’s Day with a candlelit dinner, bottle of bubbles and ‘your’ playlist is never a bad idea but more important is ensuring you share the same love language on the other 364 days of the year.
Along with the bouquets and backrubs, if your relationship is destined to go the distance, it’s going to take some honest and open communication and transparency about something far more intimate … yup, finances.
One in four couples flag it as their biggest challenge and, without taking the fizz out of things, money stress can get real in no time unless you’re on the same page. But no need to panic or pull out the spreadsheets just yet!
Here’s a simple, no-pressure free quiz to help the pair of you check your relationship compatibility. Just grab a pen, both answer YES or NO to all eight questions, then tally up your scores and see how closely your approach to your finances is aligned with the stars in your eyes. (Count your YES answers as you go.)
Money compatibility starts with the basics. Are you both 100% clear on every bill that’s coming your way? And the dates by which payments need to be made?
YES = 1 point
NO = 0 points
If you want to get Cupid’s heartrate pumping for all the wrong reasons, there’s nothing more effective than a disconnect on what’s considered a ‘major expense’ or a ‘little treat’. Do you both feel the same about what counts as a big spend?
YES = 1 point
NO = 0 points
Sharing money info can be vulnerable, especially about debt (squirm) but, trust us, avoiding a convo about your loans, credit cards and financial responsibilities now will create more stress later. Have you both been totally honest about the good, bad and the ugly?
YES = 1 point
NO = 0 points
Nothing says ‘you could be my person’ more than making a joint financial commitment, whether it’s for a holiday or something major, like a home deposit or emergency fund. Have you ever decided to put money aside for something you want to achieve together?
YES = 1 point
NO = 0 points
It makes sense to keep your finger on the financial pulse, especially when you’re sharing expenses. Think of it as a relationship check-in for your budget. Do you regularly talk about spending, saving goals and upcoming costs?
YES = 1 point
NO = 0 points
No shopping parcels hidden in the cupboards for weeks. No sneaky purchases. No secret guilt. What have you got if you haven’t got trust in each other’s financial integrity? Do you both feel free to be open about how you spend your money?
YES = 1 point
NO = 0 points
It may be about eating out and travel bucket lists today but, if you’re in it for the long haul, you need to know where you’re parked on everything, from kids and travel to buying a home and retirement. Do you know that you share similar financial priorities?
YES = 1 point
NO = 0 points
When sh*t happens and you’re hit with unbudgeted costs for car repairs, medical matters, and all the rest, there’s got to be a Plan B. Have you given any thought to how you’ll handle life’s financial ‘surprises’ together?
YES = 1 point
NO = 0 points
Add up your YES answers from the relationship compatibility questions and see how you score, then see tips and tools to become even more financially compatible with your valentine:
No stress, everyone starts somewhere. This is a sign that a simple conversation could make a big difference. Maybe open with a money goal you could work on together.
You’re building a great foundation. Now it’s about keeping those healthy financial habits consistent. You could add a monthly “money date” to make sure you stay aligned.
Way to go, you two. You communicate, plan and support each other. You’re a real, true money-compatible team.
If your quiz results have highlighted gaps in your money compatibility and that bothers you, you’re still winning because the best relationships aren’t the ones without challenges, they’re the ones where couples face them together.
We know it isn’t easy. Hey, it takes guts to swipe right and arrange the first coffee date! So little wonder it can feel awkward to spill the proverbial beans on your private financial business but here are some ideas.
Stress-free tips to get the conversation started:
• Keep it casual. (Coffee > confrontation, right?)
• Ask questions instead of making assumptions. (Words to live by!)
• Focus on goals, not guilt. (That applies to discussions about money and who left the top off the toothpaste tube.)
• Start with one topic at a time. (Like Miley says, it’s a climb.)
And if you and your partner still think you need help to navigate your way through the money minefield, it’s a good idea to speak to a financial advisor. Because being able to have open, honest and intentional conversations about your future finances really matters. Whatever your love language.
