Love and Money: The 5 Biggest Financial ‘Icks’ According to Single Americans

Data from Northwestern Mutual reveals five financial ‘icks’ among Americans in latest Consumer Sentiment Survey.

All over social media, Americans have been sharing their “icks.” In the dating world, an ick is something a prospective partner does that makes them instantly unattractive to you. In other words, icks are your personal dealbreakers. And they can be literally anything, ranging from things like chewing with your mouth open and how you roll your pant legs to being a know-it-all or a mansplainer.

This social media trend got our wheels turning, so we decided to ask about financial icks in our 2024 Consumer Sentiment Survey. Turns out, nearly three-quarters of single Americans say there are financial icks that would prevent them from marrying a romantic partner.

So here are the five biggest financial icks reported by single Americans in our survey:

1. Not sticking to a budget

For 30 percent of single Americans, not sticking to a budget is an ick. But even if you don’t stick to a budget now, this ick doesn’t have to get in the way of your next great relationship. Here’s a resource to help you create your own monthly budget.

2. Not having savings

A quarter of single Americans say not having any savings is an ick. If your savings account is nonexistent (or isn’t as big as it should be), here are tips to help you save more going forward.

3. Having debt

Twenty-five percent of single Americans say having debt is an ick, too. But if you’ve got debt now, that doesn’t mean you will forever. Here’s info on two popular debt repayment strategies that could help you get rid of this ick.

4. Having financial obligations related to a previous relationship

Nearly a quarter say having financial obligations due to a previous relationship is an ick. One way to avoid this ick in the future could be a prenup or a cohabitation agreement.

5. Wanting to merge financial accounts

Twenty-two percent say wanting to merge financial accounts is an ick. But even if you want to combine finances someday, engaging in an open conversation about it may make it less of an ick. Here are tips on starting a conversation about combining finances after you marry.

Let’s Talk About Those Icks

Do you think you have financial icks to work on? If so, don’t worry—recognizing areas for improvement is the first step toward financial well-being. Whether it’s creating a budget, building an emergency fund or tackling debt, making proactive changes can transform these icks into strengths. And your Northwestern Mutual advisor is here to help with personalized guidance and strategies that can help you overcome challenges like these and get you on a path to a better financial future.