These days, Americans of both genders want it all—love and money. But if they have to chose one, the majority picks the bucks.
That's what respondents said in the Merrill Edge Report’s national, biannual study of more than 1,000 affluent Americans, with 56 percent of respondents saying they wanted a partner who would provide financial security more than they did “head over heels” love.
Among all participants responding to the survey, a majority of both genders—54 percent of men and 57 percent of women—said they wanted financial security in a partner.
The Merrill Edge study also found that although a majority of participants wanted a rich lover over a poor one, younger participants remained starry-eyed and willing to look for someone to love, rather than support them. A majority of youthful Generation Z respondents, born between 1996 and 2010, chose love (54 percent) over money (47 percent).
Aron Levine, head of consumer banking and Merrill Edge at Bank of America, attributed economic uncertainty and a lack of financial planning to a growing trend of dependence on others for financial security.
Instead of relying on others, Levine indicated that having a financial plan in place for every stage of life was a better assurance of financial security. Despite that advice, respondents indicated they wanted their partner to ensure their financial happiness.
Merrill Edge Report respondents said they preferred a partner who is career-focused (63 percent) over socially conscious (37 percent); frugal (55 percent) more than philanthropic (45 percent); and a saver (83 percent) rather than a spender (17 percent).
Although respondents were forthcoming about what they wanted in a partner, the study found that many were tight-lipped when it came to discussing their own finances.
A majority of respondents admitted they had put off discussing debt (60 percent), salary (57 percent), investments (55 percent) and spending habits (51 percent) with their significant others.
Merrill Edge found that Americans were saving at record rates. Respondents said they saved at an annual average of $18,000. In comparison, respondents said they spent an annual average of $16,000 on rent and mortgage payments; $12,000 on their children’s education; and $8,000 on travel.