Boomers vs. Gen Z: How Different Generations Approach Money and Dating in 2025
Written by
Gabrielle Olya
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Molly Sullivan
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Talking about money might not be romantic, but for younger Americans, finances are becoming a first-date topic. A new J.P. Morgan Wealth Management survey reveals that generational attitudes toward money and dating are shifting — and Gen Z is leading the charge.
Here’s how Gen Z, millennials and boomers approach money and relationships differently in 2025.
Gen Z Is Talking Money on First Dates — Boomers Aren’t
Overall, 8 in 10 investors would not discuss finances on a first date. However, younger Americans are much more likely to discuss money right away — 35% of Gen Z and millennials would talk about money on a first date, versus just 7% of boomers.
“Money is incredibly personal — for many people, it can feel uncomfortable to talk about it early on in dating,” said Alpa Patel Vitale, west division lead for wealth planning and advice at J.P. Morgan Wealth Management. “Our study found this is starting to change for younger generations, who are more open to discussing finances earlier in a relationship.”
Financial Green Flags Matter More Than Red Flags
While more than half of investors (68%) have financial dealbreakers when dating, even more (86%) have financial “dealmakers” — traits or qualities that would increase their interest in someone.
Top financial dealmakers include:
- Being financially independent (61%)
- Having good budgeting skills (55%)
- Strong personal finance knowledge (34%)
- Being an investor (31%)
Whether it’s a red flag or a green flag, financial traits are playing a bigger role in dating decisions — especially among younger generations who value transparency and independence.
Why Talking About Money Early Matters
“It’s important to be honest and upfront about your goals and approach to finances in a relationship,” Patel Vitale said. “Establishing those open lines of communication from the start can help you understand your partner better.”
Having honesty around finances can help to strengthen your relationship in the long run and prevent surprises later, including secret debt, poor spending habits, credit issues and mismatched expectations.
“The topic of money can create unspoken tension and anxiety,” Patel Vitale said, “so it’s often best to try and replace assumptions with facts early on.”
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