From “I do” to “we’re through”: How cost-of-living pressures are affecting Canadians’ relationships

With cost-of-living concerns top of mind, Canadians are feeling the impact in many ways – including in their relationships. 

According to the latest findings from the BMO Real Financial Progress Index, financial realities are playing an increasingly important role in how Canadians approach major life milestones like marriage and separation.  

From delaying divorce to rethinking the meaning of marriage itself, affordability concerns are shifting how couples make decisions – and how they navigate life together. 

When finances influence life decisions 

For many Canadians, the cost of separation is more than emotional – it’s financial.  

The research shows that affordability concerns are affecting when and how people leave relationships: 

• 37% of divorced or separated Canadians say the cost of divorce or legal separation kept them in a marriage longer than they wanted. 
• 37% say economic uncertainty – including inflation and job stability – influenced when they separated. 
• 28% delayed separation due to the cost of the process, affording separate households and broader economic uncertainty. 
• 51% say rising costs made divorce more financially difficult than expected. 

These findings highlight a growing reality: financial pressures can prolong difficult situations, making it harder for individuals to move forward. 

Rethinking marriage in today’s economy 

Financial considerations are also reshaping how Canadians think about marriage itself. Nearly half of Canadians now view marriage through a financial lens: 

• 47% say marriage is more of a financial commitment than an emotional one. 
• 63% feel marriage requires more ongoing financial planning than they expected. 
• 48% say managing finances is more challenging than the emotional aspects of their relationship. 

The data suggests that, for many, conversations about money are becoming just as important as conversations about love and long-term compatibility. 

Balancing love and financial realities

BMO experts emphasize the importance of addressing financial considerations early and openly. 

“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. 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.” 

- Anthony (Tony) Tintinalli
Head, Specialized Sales, BMO 

For those navigating separation or divorce, financial clarity is equally important. 

“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. 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.” 

- Carol Willes, Director
Estate Planning, BMO Private Wealth 

Helping Canadians make real financial progress 

As financial pressures continue to shape deeply personal decisions, having a plan can make a meaningful difference. 

Practical steps can help individuals and couples navigate the intersection of money and relationships: 

• Align on spending styles early. 
• Set clear expectations for big financial decisions. 
• Be transparent about financial responsibilities and confidence levels. 
• Plan for shared goals while maintaining flexibility. 
• Build resilience into financial plans. 
• Build savings to manage unexpected costs. 
• Seek professional financial advice. 

The BMO Real Financial Progress Index is designed to spark important conversations about money – helping Canadians turn intention into action and navigate life’s biggest moments with more confidence. 

Because whether you’re starting a new chapter or closing an old one, financial clarity can help you move forward – and make real financial progress.