Marylanders Rank Financial Compatibility Above Emotional, Physical and Intellectual Compatibility

Nearly one-third of Maryland couples report significant financial strain in their relationship

Maryland residents are among the most likely in the nation to prioritize financial compatibility over intellectual and physical compatibility

BALTIMORE, July 21, 2026 – Maryland residents place a high premium on financial compatibility when it comes to long-term relationships. Nearly three-quarters (74%) of those in serious relationships say financial compatibility is more important than emotional compatibility, while 72% say it is more important than intellectual compatibility and 69% say it outweighs physical compatibility. At the same time, nearly one-third (31%) report that financial disagreements are causing significant strain in their relationship, above the national average of 26%.

These are among the findings from Northwestern Mutual's proprietary research series that explores Americans' attitudes, behaviors and beliefs toward money, financial decision-making and the broader issues impacting long-term financial security.

"Strong relationships are often built on shared values and aligned expectations, and money is one of the most important areas where those values show up. It can be a strengthening bond or potentially a divisive wedge," said Peter Tillinghast, founder, Tillinghast & Associates, a Northwestern Mutual Private Client Group advisory firm. "The findings suggest Maryland residents recognize that financial compatibility can play a significant role in helping couples navigate both everyday decisions and long-term goals."

Maryland residents put financial compatibility at the center of long-term relationships

Maryland residents place financial compatibility ahead of several other relationship traits commonly associated with successful partnerships. Nearly three-quarters (74%) say financial compatibility is more important than emotional compatibility, while 72% rank it above intellectual compatibility and 69% rank it above physical compatibility. Additionally, 60% say financial compatibility is more important than spiritual compatibility.

The 72% figure for intellectual compatibility is tied for the highest level among all reported markets in the study.

For Maryland singles, financial habits matter more than income

Among Maryland singles who say income is important in a potential partner, the average ideal partner earns approximately $113,000 per year. However, nearly two-thirds (63%) say a partner's income does not matter to them when evaluating a potential relationship. Meanwhile, 58% consider poor money habits a dealbreaker.

The findings suggest that Maryland singles may be focused less on a partner's earning power and more on financial habits and alignment.

"Many people assume financial compatibility is about income, but the research suggests it is often more about financial behavior and communication," said Tillinghast. "Healthy habits, honest conversations and a shared vision for the future can be just as important as how much someone earns."

Turning financial compatibility into action

To help couples turn financial compatibility from an abstract ideal into a plan, Northwestern Mutual advisors suggest starting with a few clear conversations and habits:

·Talk about your money stories before you talk numbers. Share how each person grew up around money, what money represents to them and which habits feel reassuring or stressful.

·Put the full picture on the table. Review income, debt, savings, spending patterns, recurring bills and financial responsibilities without judgment so both partners know where they are starting.

·Name shared goals and trade-offs. Agree on short-, mid- and long-term priorities, such as building an emergency fund, paying down debt, saving for a home or planning for retirement.

·Decide how money will be managed day to day. Choose whether to use joint accounts, separate accounts or a mix, then set a budget, spending thresholds and shared responsibilities for bills and tracking progress.

·Schedule regular money check-ins. A monthly or quarterly conversation, and help from a financial advisor when needed, can keep the plan current as careers, families and goals change.

About the 2026 Northwestern Mutual Planning & Progress Study

The 2026 Planning & Progress Study was conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Northwestern Mutual among 4,375 U.S. adults aged 18 or older. The survey was conducted online between January 5 and January 21, 2026. Data are weighted where necessary by age, gender, race/ethnicity, region, education, marital status, household size, household income, and propensity to be online to bring them in line with their actual proportions in the population. A complete survey methodology is available.

About Northwestern Mutual

Northwestern Mutual has been helping people and businesses achieve financial security for more than 165 years. Through a comprehensive planning approach, Northwestern Mutual combines the expertise of its financial professionals with a personalized digital experience and industry-leading products to help its clients plan for what's most important. With more than $780 billion of total assets¹ managed across the company's institutional portfolio as well as retail investment client portfolios, more than $40 billion in revenues, and $2.5 trillion worth of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to more than five million people with life insurance, disability income insurance, long-term care insurance, annuities, and brokerage and advisory services. Northwestern Mutual ranked 109 on the 2026 FORTUNE 500 and was recognized by FORTUNE® as one of the "World's Most Admired" life insurance companies in 2026.

Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM), Milwaukee, WI (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (investment brokerage services), broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC) (investment advisory and services), federal savings bank; and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company (NLTC) (long-term care insurance). Not all Northwestern Mutual representatives are advisors. Only those representatives with "Advisor" in their title or who otherwise disclose their status as an advisor of NMWMC are credentialed as NMWMC representatives to provide investment advisory services. 

¹ Includes investments and separate account assets of Northwestern Mutual as well as retail investment assets held or managed for clients.