January 30, 2009 - 8:39am
"Can't Buy Me Love" international survey annually held by PayPal payment system and conducted by Ipsos in Australia, Canada, Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States has shown that the relationship of many U.S. couples is being affected by worldwide financial crisis.
43 percent of U.S. couples, and almost one third of all couples surveyed, stated recession has caused them to argue more often. Meanwhile the main argument has been over finances and household chores. Looking at the results obtained per countries it should be noted that in the Netherlands couples tend to avoid discussions about money, while those in the U.S. and Mexico are the most likely to openly discuss their finances.
Moreover, at least 10 percent of couples-respondents say they have ended a relationship due at least partially to financial issues. Couples in the United States and Mexico ranked the highest at this point with 14 percent, and those in the Netherlands the lowest with 5 percent.
Some other interesting information found out by the research is that more than half of all couples globally are keeping separate bank accounts; more couples in the U.S. are hiding purchases from their partners in 2008 (approximately 23 percent), comparing to 2008 (18 percent).
However, 70 percent of surveyed have stated they would still be giving gifts to their significant others for St. Valentine’s Day. It seems that the number one purchase of the event will be Valentine's Day cards, followed closely by dinner dates.
It has also been found out that more Americans are going online to find a date in 2008. 20 percent of the U.S. respondents tried online dating, and 25 percent have taken the plunge.
43 percent of U.S. couples, and almost one third of all couples surveyed, stated recession has caused them to argue more often. Meanwhile the main argument has been over finances and household chores. Looking at the results obtained per countries it should be noted that in the Netherlands couples tend to avoid discussions about money, while those in the U.S. and Mexico are the most likely to openly discuss their finances.
Moreover, at least 10 percent of couples-respondents say they have ended a relationship due at least partially to financial issues. Couples in the United States and Mexico ranked the highest at this point with 14 percent, and those in the Netherlands the lowest with 5 percent.
Some other interesting information found out by the research is that more than half of all couples globally are keeping separate bank accounts; more couples in the U.S. are hiding purchases from their partners in 2008 (approximately 23 percent), comparing to 2008 (18 percent).
However, 70 percent of surveyed have stated they would still be giving gifts to their significant others for St. Valentine’s Day. It seems that the number one purchase of the event will be Valentine's Day cards, followed closely by dinner dates.
It has also been found out that more Americans are going online to find a date in 2008. 20 percent of the U.S. respondents tried online dating, and 25 percent have taken the plunge.