2 in 5 have ended a relationship over a poor financial decision

  • 4 months ago
Your money mistakes may just cost your relationship, according to new research.

A survey of 2,000 Americans looked at the importance of decision-making and found that 40% have ended a relationship over a poor financial choice.

Overall, nearly three-quarters of respondents feel sure about their decision-making ability, describing themselves as decisive (74%). Just one in six admit to being indecisive.

Those who are sure about their choices chalk it up to good judgment skills (68%), confidence (63%) and strong intuition (62%). They also pride themselves on their ability to think quickly (58%) and gauge others’ behaviors like tone or body language (54%).

On the other hand, those who are indecisive fear making the wrong decision (55%) and seek to understand as much information as possible (56%).

For nearly half of these respondents, opposites attract, as they look for someone more decisive when considering a relationship (46%). This holds true except in the Midwest, where only one in five seek someone more decisive.

While most Americans believe they’re decisive, many seek advice from someone at work (35%) or the news (29%) — above their partner’s advice (18%) — when considering money-related decisions.

Conducted by OnePoll in partnership with SurePayroll By Paychex, the survey also found that some of the daily decisions people struggle with regularly are what to eat for different meals (44%), what to watch on TV (40%) and hobby-related decisions like what book to read or what to create (39%).

Respondents are most open to negotiation when it comes to household debates about meal choices (47%) or chores (37%), but less so about work-related decisions like switching areas with a colleague (4%) or adjusting their pay (2%).

When it comes to big decisions, survey-takers put more faith in research (55%) and make pro- and-con lists (55%) to help them out.

Most respondents indicate they would want to be 100% sure before making a significant purchase, like a house (60%). This requires more certainty than the decision to get married or divorced (57%), start a family (44%), change jobs (48%) or move (40%).

Surprisingly, 40% said they would leave a major decision up to random choice.

On average, Americans would do six hours of research before making a big decision. One in nine said they would need to mull it over for at least 10 hours before deciding.

Some of these major decisions people have committed to are related to time or money, like moving somewhere new (41%) or investing a large sum of money (15%).

Others have made career-changing moves like starting a new job or career path (52%) or becoming a business owner (13%).

Of the major decisions to consider, respondents agree that starting a business (21%) and investing a large sum of money (22%) would take the longest deliberation.