73% of Canadians say ‘many’ stay in relationships for finances: survey

The survey also found that over a quarter of Canadians (27 per cent) say 'if they won the lottery and had a partner, they’d likely split up with their partner.'

A newly released survey by H&R Block Canada suggests that financial circumstances can be part of why Canadians stay in relationships.

The data found that 73 per cent of Canadians believe that “many people stay together in marriage or in common law relationships for financial reasons.”

In addition, 80 per cent of Canadians say life is more affordable in a relationship versus being single.

Nearly one in four (23 per cent) of surveyed Canadians also said they like the idea of a “five-year renewable relationship contract” instead of getting married.

The survey states that four in 10 Canadians (40 per cent) say marriage is “mainly about practicalities for those planning or already have children.”

This view is higher among Canadians who identify as male (at 45 per cent) versus female (36 per cent).

In addition, 83 per cent believe that couples often stay together for the sake of their children.

Clay Jarvis, a financial expert at NerdWallet Canada, said marriage is a “major financial decision” that should encourage couples to evaluate their financial situations.