Love, Money, and Transparency: How Finances Are Changing Polish Relationships
Just two decades ago, discussing finances in a relationship was something carefully avoided. It was considered polite to remain silent, and if questions about earnings or savings arose, they were more likely to be jokes than serious declarations. Today, although the topic can still be difficult, it is increasingly becoming a foundation for building closeness and security. Money in Polish relationships is no longer taboo, and financial transparency is becoming not only a practical matter, but also an expression of mutual respect and responsibility.
Eva Hlavsová, co-founder of the investment platform Direct Fondee, has been emphasizing for years that talking about money is an essential element of a partnership. She points out that just a few years ago, half of women in the Czech Republic admitted they didn't discuss finances at all, and almost a third avoided the topic for fear of judgment. The Polish context is similar – CBOS research from 2025 show that every second Polish woman does not discuss earnings and savings with her partner, considering it to be "sensitive" or "embarrassing". Meanwhile, as Hlavsová points out, money in a relationship is not only about bills and loans, but also a way to talk about dreams, priorities and values.
Women's independence is a game changer
Gender roles and expectations of partnership are also changing. Polish women, like their Czech counterparts, are increasingly pursuing higher education and taking on well-paid positions. According to data from the Central Statistical Office, women now constitute over 57 percent of students, and in sectors such as law, medicine, and finance, they are beginning to dominate. This naturally translates into their position in relationships.
"Our mothers and grandmothers treated financial independence as a luxury, today it is becoming the standard" – emphasizes Hlavsová.
This change means that women are increasingly becoming co-deciders about the household budget, and the traditional division of roles, in which the man is responsible for supporting the family, is losing its importance.
At the same time, awareness of the importance of a financial "safety cushion" is growing. The expert points out that every woman – regardless of relationship status – should have her own savings. It is not only a matter of independence, but also protection against critical situations, such as economic violence or the sudden loss of a partner's job. Data from a 2025 Deloitte Polska report shows that over 40 percent of women aged 30–45 are actively saving for a private emergency account, compared to less than 20 percent of respondents a decade ago. This signals that Polish women are learning not only to talk about money but also to manage it consciously.
The rules of the dating game are also changing. While not long ago the question "who pays for dinner" might have been a matter of convention, today it's increasingly becoming the beginning of a more serious conversation about values and expectations from a relationship. Psychotherapists emphasize that it's not about the amount of money itself, but rather a gesture of sincerity and a willingness to approach each other as partners. Hlavsová suggests that money can be introduced into conversations naturally – during travel plans, shared investment or even a commentary on a film that features a financial threadThis makes them a part of everyday life, rather than an uncomfortable topic to be put off until later.
Transparency as a new foundation for relationships
Polish consumer research also highlights the broader context – the cost pressures under which households operate. According to the EY Future Consumer Index as many as 69 percent of Poles declare that they regularly limit their expenses and consciously control their household budget76 percent indicate that the cost of living has become a major factor in shaping daily decisions. In this reality, transparent conversations about money are no longer a choice, but a necessity – without it, it's difficult to plan a shared future.
More and more couples are also faced with the question of how to manage their joint finances: whether to maintain a single account, split expenses equally, or proportionally to earnings. While each model has its proponents, research from ING Bank Śląski 2025 indicates that The most popular solution in Poland remains the "hybrid" – a joint account for current expenses and, at the same time, individual accounts that allow you to maintain autonomy. It is a compromise between the sense of community and the need for independence.
Experts agree that in a world where economic crises are becoming increasingly frequent and the job market increasingly unpredictable, a partnership approach to finances is the best insurance policy. Two careers and two sources of income cushion economic shocks better than one. But equally important, thanks to the equal commitment of women and men to building financial stability, both parties can regain space for other areas of life—family, passions, or health. Balance, not competition, is the key to quality relationships.
Hlavsová emphasizes that the most important thing is to have regular and honest conversations about money. They should be revisited with every major change—a new job, the decision to have a child, or plans to buy a house. Transparency may seem difficult at first, but in the long run it builds trust and helps avoid many conflicts. As both Czech and Polish experiences show, money can divide, but even more often – if treated openly – it can bring people together.
Author: Direct Fondee