I love you, but: 2 in 5 Aussie couples don’t fully combine their finances
Two-fifths of Australian couples keep their cash separated, according to new research by Finder.
A Finder survey of 559 respondents with a partner revealed half (41%) – equivalent to 4.8 million people – don't share their finances fully.
The research found that half (59%) say they share finances equally, while 25% admit to having both personal and shared bank accounts.
In total, more than 5 in 6 (84%) couples have at least one shared account.
However, more than 1 in 10 (12%) keep their finances separate and are happy with that arrangement, and 5% keep money separate but admit they would prefer to have shared accounts.
Rebecca Pike, money expert at Finder, said for many couples, opening a joint bank account has long been considered a key relationship milestone.
"While joint accounts offer benefits such as reduced fees and easier budgeting, couples should first assess their financial compatibility.
"Before opening a shared account, it's crucial to ensure you both have similar approaches to money management, as financial disagreements can be a major source of tension in relationships."
Women are more likely to admit they keep finances separate, with 14% of women in relationships choosing not to merge money compared to 10% of men in relationships.
Pike stresses the importance of transparency when managing joint finances.
"The key to a successful shared account is honesty – there should be no financial secrets or unexpected surprises, which can lead to conflict.
"Before taking the plunge, have a frank discussion about your individual financial goals, spending patterns, and attitudes towards saving.
"Does your partner have a shopping or gambling addiction? Does your partner monitor every dollar you spend?
"If something is bothering you, speak up. Resentment can build quickly if financial issues are left unaddressed."
Baby boomers (77%) were the most likely to share finances equally, compared to gen X (61%), gen Y (58%) and gen Z (31%).
Generation Z were most likely to hedge their bets by having joint and separate accounts (37%).
Do you combine finances with your partner?
| Yes, we share finances equally | 59% |
| Yes, we share some finances but also have our own accounts | 25% |
| No, we keep our finances separate and I'm happy with that | 12% |
| No, we keep our finances separate, but I'd like them combined | 5% |
| Source: Finder survey of 559 respondents with a partner, January 2025 |  |
Methodology
- Finder's Consumer Sentiment Tracker is a monthly recurring nationally representative survey of more than 60,000 respondents.
- Figures in this release are based on 559 respondents with a partner from January 2025.
- The Consumer Sentiment Tracker is owned by Finder and operated by Qualtrics.
- The survey has been running monthly since May 2019.
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