Same-sex couples have a similar financial profile as traditional families, according to the Allianz LoveFamilyMoney survey. When asked to describe their current financial situation, 50 percent of same-sex couples and 52 percent of traditional families described themselves as either wealthy/affluent or financially comfortable.

However, the study found that same-sex couples manage their finances differently when compared to traditional families––described as married heterosexual couples with at least one child under 21 living at home. Eighty percent of traditional families fully combine their finances, while 60 percent of same-sex couples combine them.

Having children affects same-sex couples ability to save for retirement, says Allianz. The overall same-sex couple family cohort, those with and without children, saved an average of $276,200 for retirement. For the 35 percent of same-sex couples with kids, they have saved considerably less with a reported average savings of $210,700.

When seeking financial advice, there are differences in opinion about financial planning when kids come into the picture for same-sex couples. Sixty-five percent of the overall same-sex couple family cohort said they would prefer to work with a financial professional who is “knowledgeable and sensitive to my specific financial needs as a same-sex couple/family”.

Yet, fifty-one percent of couples with kids were more likely to want their financial professional to treat their needs “no differently than they would any other family”.

“Like any other family type, adding children to the equation takes a toll on the family financial landscape,” said Katie Libbe, Allianz Life vice president of consumer insights. “This is one key area where financial professionals can help.”

The study revealed that same-sex couple families with and without kids are very open to working with a financial professional. Nearly half (48 percent) said they currently have a financial professional or have used one in the past, which is slightly less than the 53 percent of traditional families who report the same.

In terms of what they seek in a financial professional, same-sex couple families are most motivated to go to a financial professional for a better return on investments (40 percent); help in making financial decisions (30 percent); and answers to specific questions about their financial situation (28 percent).

The Allianz LoveFamilyMoney Study was conducted by The Futures Company via an online panel in January 2014 with more than 4,500 panel respondents ages 35-65 with a household income of at least $50,000.