Love & Money: Valentine's Day Edition

Average Valentine's Day Spending

The average American planned to spend about $185 on Valentine's Day gifts, dining, and experiences in 2025 — up from $143 a decade ago. That's roughly $26 billion in total spending across the country. Whether or not that's "worth it" depends on your budget, not Hallmark.

Source: National Retail Federation — Valentine's Day Spending Survey

Couples Who Argue About Money

Nearly half of all couples report that money is a recurring source of conflict. Financial disagreements are among the strongest predictors of divorce — stronger than disagreements about household chores, in-laws, or even intimacy. The underlying issue is usually misaligned values, not the dollar amounts themselves.

Source: American Psychological Association

Couples With Combined Finances

About two-thirds of married couples fully merge their bank accounts. Research suggests that pooling finances can increase relationship satisfaction — not because of the money itself, but because it signals trust and shared goals. That said, many financial planners recommend maintaining at least a small individual account for autonomy.

Average Cost to Raise a Child

The USDA estimates the average middle-income family spends roughly $300,000 to raise a child from birth through age 17 — and that doesn't include college. Adjusted for inflation, that number has climbed steadily. For couples thinking about starting a family, understanding this number early can shape everything from housing decisions to savings rates.

Source: USDA — Expenditures on Children by Families

People Who Say Financial Stability Matters More Than Attraction

In a recent survey, nearly three-quarters of respondents said a partner's financial responsibility was more important than physical attractiveness when considering a long-term relationship. It's not about wealth — it's about habits: budgeting, saving, and being honest about debt.

Source: Bankrate — Money and Relationships Survey