Modern Australian
Men's Weekly

.

New MoneySmart Study Finds 1 in 3 Adults Experience Relationship Breakdowns Due to Money Disagreements

HONG KONG SAR & SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 1 October 2024 - A new study released by leading personal finance portal MoneySmart reveals the impact that disagreements about money can have on relationships and how better communication about money can bring couples closer.

New MoneySmart Study Finds 1 in 3 Adults Experience Relationship Breakdowns Due to Money Disagreements

The study, which interviewed 2,000 adults in Hong Kong and Singapore who are currently in a heterosexual relationship, found that almost a third (32%) have had a relationship break down due to disagreements about money.

The most common causes of disagreements were found to be someone in the couple spending too much (43%), differences in saving habits (37%), and not saving enough (32%). Almost one in five (18%) said that they and their partner argue more about money than anything else.

The study also found that many couples are not fully transparent about their finances. While 29% admitted to holding savings accounts that their partner was unaware of, 23% admitted to having debt their partner didn't know about. This is despite nearly half (49%) saying that they would consider their partner dishonest if they lied about their finances, income or debts, and 35% going as far as to say that they would never forgive their partner for doing so.

Many couples find talking about money challenging

For many couples in Hong Kong and Singapore, being able to talk about money openly was found to be challenging. A third (33%) stated that they find it difficult to discuss finances with their partner, while over a quarter (29%) actively avoided such conversations. Additionally, 34% experience anxiety when discussing money with their partner, highlighting that financial discussions can be a significant source of stress for many couples.

Despite these challenges, the importance of being able to discuss finances freely as a couple is clear. 78% believe that open discussions about money strengthen their relationship, and 56% found that frequent money talks improved their relationship quality.

How to talk about money with your partner

Opening up conversations around money can be challenging. But it is something that can be worked on, according to relationship coach, Iwa Hensarling:

"Although sometimes tricky, improving communication around finances is entirely possible. By addressing money matters proactively and collaboratively, couples can strengthen their partnership, minimise stress, and build a more transparent and supportive financial relationship."

Five tips for talking about money as a couple, from Iwa Hensarling:

1. Start early: Begin discussions about finances early in the relationship, ideally before making any significant commitments or financial decisions together.

2. Create a safe space: Ensure that conversations about money are held in a non-judgmental, open, and honest environment. Acknowledge that it can be a sensitive topic and approach it with care and understanding.

3. Be transparent: Share your financial situation transparently, including incomes, debts, savings, financial obligations, and credit scores. This honesty will help both partners understand the complete financial picture and plan accordingly.

4. Set mutual goals: Discuss and align on your short-term and long-term financial goals. Whether it's saving for a vacation, buying a home, or planning for retirement, having shared goals can motivate you and strengthen your bond.

5. Plan regular check-ins: Money management should be an ongoing discussion. Set regular check-ins to review your financial status, update your goals, and adjust your plans as necessary.

For more advice on how to manage and talk about money as a couple, information on savings accounts, credit cards, and loans for couples, or to view the full findings of the research, please see below:

Hong Kong (EN): https://www.moneysmart.hk/en/credit-cards/the-cost-of-money-disputes-on-relationships-ms

Hong Kong (ZH): https://www.moneysmart.hk/zh-hk/credit-cards/the-cost-of-money-disputes-on-relationships-ms

Singapore: https://www.moneysmart.sg/credit-cards/the-cost-of-money-disputes-on-relationships-ms

Survey Methodology
Research conducted on behalf of MoneySmart by Savanta among 2,000 Hong Kong and Singaporean adults (aged 18+) currently in a heterosexual relationship. The survey was carried out online between 5 – 17 June 2024. Please see a breakdown of the marital status of participants below:

Marital Status:
● Married: 90.9%
● Dating: 4.3%
● Cohabiting: 4.8%


Hashtag: #MoneySmart

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About MoneySmart Group

MoneySmart Group is a leading personal finance group in Southeast Asia, encompassing two dynamic brands: MoneySmart and Bubblegum. Bringing together these brands to offer a comprehensive range of financial products, knowledge and advice, MoneySmart Group is dedicated to empowering consumers with clarity, confidence and control over their financial future.

provides a financial marketplace, comparison and content platform for consumers to make informed product choices across various banking, insurance and investment products. We do the hard work of compiling the information and facts to make it easy for you to compare and choose what's best for you.

Under our brand, we create desirable insurance products and experiences and aim to become the winning digital insurance brand of the future.

For more information, please visit .


Expert Plumbing Solutions in Perth: From Hot Water Systems to Leak Detection

Plumbing is one of those things we often take for granted—until something goes wrong. From stepping into an unexpectedly cold shower to discovering ...

Eco-smart Car Removal in Sydney: Practical Steps That Cut Waste and Return Value

Sydney’s ageing cars add up to a serious waste stream, and choosing the right removal service makes a measurable difference. Your decision sends m...

Measuring the Success of Your Bus Advertising Campaign

Bus ads turn everyday travel into high-reach media. They move through busy corridors, sit in traffic where people can read them, and keep working af...

Partner Visa Pathways: Onshore vs Offshore Applications Explained

Choosing between Australia’s onshore and offshore partner visa routes affects timing, travel, work rights and budget. This guide explains the stru...

Serving Styles Compared: Buffet, Grazing, or Plated for the Office

Choosing how to serve food at a work function shapes the pace of the event, how people mingle and how smoothly the agenda runs. The right format dep...

5 Essential Tips for Hiring Gold Coast Plumbers

Finding the best plumber on the Gold Coast can be as complex as navigating a network of pipes, requiring an expert who is capable, reliable, and s...

Hidden Costs of Moving You Need to Budget For (And How to Avoid Them)

Moving house ranks among life's most busy experiences, and discovering unexpected expenses along the way certainly doesn't help with stress levels. Wh...

Understanding Australian Building Regulations: What Every Mornington Builder Wants You to Know

If you live on the Mornington Peninsula, you likely already feel the risk of bushfires,hot, dry summers, nearby bushland, and epic wind events. That...

Top 5 Home Exercises Recommended by Chiropractors for Better Posture

In today’s world of endless screen time and back-to-back Zoom meetings, it’s no surprise that posture-related issues are on the rise. From achin...

Simple Home Exercises to Manage Chronic Pain and Improve Mobility

Living with chronic pain doesn’t have to mean a life of limitation. Many people struggling with persistent discomfort find themselves moving less...

Smart Renovation Tips for a Sleek, Low-Maintenance Interior

In a world where time is tight and stress is high, our homes should feel like a refuge not another to-do list. That’s why smart renovations are tr...

Stay Cool in Queensland: The Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Air Conditioner

Introduction Queensland’s warm, humid climate makes a reliable air conditioning system an essential part of daily life. Whether you’re creating a...

Proving Partner Visas with Lawyers and Solid Evidence

You’re ready to build a life with your partner in Australia but the visa process quickly turns something personal into something official. Suddenl...

The History and Philosophy Behind Osteopathic Medicine

Osteopathy is more than just a hands-on approach to relieving pain—it’s a holistic health philosophy with roots in history, science, and a deep ...

Common Bathroom Renovation Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Renovating a bathroom can be one of the most rewarding home improvement projects, offering both enhanced functionality and a fresh aesthetic. Howeve...

5 Simple Home Modifications to Support Occupational Therapy Goals

Every year, thousands of Australians face mobility challenges, chronic pain, or sensory issues that make daily tasks difficult. Simple changes at ho...

The Cost of Converting a Shipping Container into a Liveable Space

Container conversions often require more planning and labour than expected Early costs include foundations, framing, and structural reinforceme...

Marriage Celebrant for Modern Lovers Who Want Something Different

Many couples today feel pressure to follow the same wedding traditions their parents or grandparents did. They might sit through long ceremonies that ...