Whether you love it or loathe it, there’s no denying that Valentine’s Day is a big deal. We spend billions of dollars on the occasion each year, and 2024 will be no exception. Nevertheless, many people’s budgets will be constrained this year, as 46% of Americans say inflation is affecting their Valentine’s Day plans, according to a nationally representative survey conducted by WalletHub.
WalletHub’s survey aimed to find out more about how consumers are approaching Valentine’s Day 2024, as well as the financial side of relationships more generally. We asked about everything from holiday spending to financial turn-offs and how money problems affect relationships. You can check out the complete results in the infographic below.
Key Stats
- Inflation Takes a Bite Out of Romance. 46% of Americans say inflation is affecting their Valentine’s Day plans.
- V-Day Debt Is Worth It for Some People. Nearly 3 in 10 people think a Valentine’s Day gift is worth going into credit card debt for.
- Financial Infidelity Hurts. 7 in 10 people think financial infidelity can be worse than cheating.
- Some People Don’t Expect Purchased Gifts. 24% of Americans don’t expect their Valentine to spend any money on a gift this year.
- Bad Credit Might Keep You Single. More than 1 in 3 people would not marry someone with a bad WalletScore or bad credit.
- Bad Spending Habits Stink. 60% of Americans say that irresponsible spending is a bigger turnoff than bad breath.
- Separate vs. Joint Accounts. More than 1 in 3 people think having separate accounts is the best way to avoid money problems in a relationship.
Ask the Experts
We posed the following questions to a panel of leading consumer studies scholars. You can find their bios and responses below.
- WalletHub’s survey found that more than 1 in 3 people would not marry someone with bad credit. What does that tell you about the state of relationships and financial literacy right now?
- Do you have any tips for people who want to make sure they date someone who is good with money?
- Why do you think 7 in 10 Americans say financial infidelity is worse than cheating?
- More than 1 in 3 people say having separate accounts is the best way to avoid money problems in a relationship. What’s your take on this issue?
- Around 24% of Americans expect their Valentine won’t spend any money on a gift this year. What are the best gifts you can give that are free or inexpensive?
Ask the Experts
Survey Methodology
This report reflects the results of a nationally representative online survey of nearly 200 respondents.
After we collected all responses, we normalized the data by age, gender and income so the sample would reflect U.S. demographics.
Full Survey & Responses
Can financial infidelity be worse than cheating? | |
---|---|
Yes | 70% |
No | 30% |
How much do you expect your Valentine to spend on a gift? (Bracket) | |
$1 - $49 | 31% |
$50 - $100 | 26% |
Nothing | 24% |
$101+ | 19% |
Would you marry someone with a bad WalletScore? | |
Yes | 64% |
No | 36% |
Would you marry someone with bad credit? | |
Yes | 62% |
No | 38% |
Which of the following money problems are worst for a relationship in 2024? | |
High debt level | 23% |
Irresponsible spending | 18% |
Gambling | 18% |
Financial secrets | 17% |
Ruining your credit score | 10% |
Not saving for the future | 9% |
Losing money on bad investment decisions | 6% |
Is your relationship a strain or a boost on your finances? | |
Boost | 65% |
Strain | 35% |
What's the best way to avoid money problems in a relationship? | |
Separate accounts | 35% |
Joint finances | 26% |
Prenuptial agreement | 22% |
Asking permission before buying | 17% |
What's a bigger turnoff: | |
Irresponsible spending | 60% |
Bad breath | 40% |
Is a Valentine’s Day gift worth going into credit card debt for? | |
No | 71% |
Yes | 29% |
Is inflation affecting your Valentine’s Day plans? | |
No | 54% |
Yes | 46% |
Note: Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding.
WalletHub experts are widely quoted. Contact our media team to schedule an interview.