Debt & Dating 2026: The new financial red flags | Earnest
Debt & Dating 2026: The new financial red flags
Love may be blind, but debt isn't
The 2026 research revealing how debt shapes who we date, trust, and commit to. Find out where you stand, and what it could mean for your love life.
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What 1,100+ daters revealed about debt and relationships
Finally, data that helps you stop guessing and start having smarter money conversations with the people you date.
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Who this is for
Whether you're dating, in a relationship, or just fascinated by how money and love collide
This data might change how you think about both and discuss finances.
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Here’s a taste of what’s inside
and what daters really think
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The repayment green flag
Why daters will overlook any debt amount if you're actively paying it down
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Debt beats politics in the never discuss awards:
Daters rank debt as their most avoided conversation topic, beating out politics, religion, and family drama
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The gender divide
Why men are more likely to bring up debt on dates first
Ready to turn your student loan debt into a green flag?
Explore how student loan refinancing can help you pay down debt faster and build the financial confidence to move forward.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by the interview subjects are not necessarily those of Earnest. This blog post provides personal finance educational information, and it is not intended to provide legal, financial, or tax advice.
1 Please note that you will lose benefits associated with your underlying federal loans, such as federal Income-driven Repayment Plans, Economic Hardship Deferment, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, or other deferment and forbearance options, if you refinance into a private loan. If you file for bankruptcy, you may still be required to pay back this loan.
2 Choosing to refinance to a longer term may lower your monthly payment, but increase the amount of interest you may pay. Choosing to refinance to a shorter term may increase your monthly payment, but lower the amount of interest you may pay. Review your loan documentation for the total cost of your refinanced loan.