Breadcrumb Trail Links
Sometimes, the dollars make little sense.
Published Jun 12, 2026 • Last updated 1 day ago • 2 minute read
You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.
A report from BMO revealed that financial pressures are given more priority than emotions for marriage and separation decisions. Photo by File photoArticle content
See more Toronto Sun on Google — save as a Preferred Source
Advertisement 2
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.
THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authors
Article content
Sometimes, the dollars make little sense.
Article content
Article content
A report from BMO revealed that financial pressures are given more priority than emotions for marriage and separation decisions.
“Money is often one of the biggest sources of stress during a separation or divorce, particularly when the financial impact is larger or more prolonged than expected,” said Carol Willes, Director, Estate Planning, BMO Private Wealth. “Working with a financial professional can help individuals understand the full picture, reduce uncertainty and focus on rebuilding financial stability as they move into the next chapter of their lives.”
The numbers not adding up
The study noted that 37% of divorced or separated Canadians admit financial concerns kept them in a marriage longer than they wanted and influenced when they separated; 47% viewed marriage as more of a financial commitment than an emotional one and 33% of coupled Canadians said spending is a source of conflict in the relationship.
Your Midday Sun
Thanks for signing up!
Article content
Advertisement 3
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
The survey, titled Real Financial Progress Index, also examined the role financial compatibility plays in relationship dynamics and found that 32% said spending is a source of conflict in the relationship; 36% feel their partner or spouse spends too much on impulse purchases and expensive items; 17% say big purchases have led to arguments and 28% say vacation planning causes financial conflict in the relationship.
Honesty is the best policy
“While building a life with someone special can be a journey filled with joy and hope, affordability concerns can bring some challenges, complicating and even overshadowing the romantic elements of a relationship,” said Anthony (Tony) Tintinalli, Head, Specialized Sales, BMO. “Having early and honest conversations about money, building emergency savings and seeking professional advice can help couples better prepare for how financial realities intersect with life’s biggest moments, protect themselves from unexpected challenges and make real financial progress through every life stage.”
Advertisement 4
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
The financial power imbalance tends to skew a lot of internal debate about money, as 60% say their partner or spouse is the more frugal party in the relationship; 54% said they are financially dependent on their partner or spouse and 41% admit their partner or spouse understands financial planning better than they do.
The survey went on to offer suggestions on how to manage financial pressures and prepare for relationship milestones, while making financial progress.
Some of them include aligning on spending styles early in the relationship, setting clear expectations for big financial decisions; transparency about financial responsibilities and confidence levels; planning for shared goals while maintaining flexibility and building resilience into financial plans.
Article content
Share this article in your social network