Talking about savings goals, investment strategies and salaries is becoming normal in modern dating for many young Australians. While Baby Boomers might see this as inappropriate or impolite, Gen Z and younger Millennials view financial transparency as essential to compatibility. Many are bringing up money topics by the first or second date.
This shift seems to be influenced by wider cultural changes and growing economic pressures. Social media has made younger people more comfortable sharing parts of their lives once considered private, including finances. At the same time, rising property prices mean that buyers now need around 11 times their annual income to enter the market, compared to three or four times in previous generations. Under that kind of pressure, financial mystery has little place in new relationships.
Research from investment platform Syfe shows a clear generational divide. Almost two-thirds of Australians aged 18 to 24 are comfortable discussing money early on in dating, while two-thirds of those over 55 say they would never talk about finances on a first date. This divide is also visible online, where younger users openly share details like ETF portfolios, mortgage terms and side hustles, often attracting large followings.
However, the trend isn’t just about openness for its own sake. In a more challenging economy, younger couples are taking relationships more seriously from the start. They are upfront about student debt and investment goals to make sure their long-term plans align. For many, finding someone who shares their financial mindset is more important than more traditional aspects of dating.
Even within wealthy families, younger members are asking for more open financial discussions. As people live longer, legacy planning is shifting away from a focus on inheritance and moving toward creating shared financial values. Family advisers report that adult children are increasingly keen to be involved in early wealth planning, particularly when it comes to how resources are distributed or invested.
The key message is clear. Younger Australians are changing when and how we talk about money. As financial transparency becomes the norm, future couples may see honest money conversations not as difficult, but as a wise way to build trust and align on goals in both love and life.
