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Swiping through a dating app can feel like a never-ending and pointless task — but having a handle on personal finances can actually increase the chances of finding a match.

On Living Not So Fabulously, Michael Kaye, the director of brand marketing and communications at OkCupid and Archer, shared some insights about how one’s finances can help people swipe for love, and it seems having a budget is a particularly attractive quality.

“Financial stability and security is a real big deal-breaker and turn-on for people in this era,” Kaye told Living Not So Fabulously hosts David and John Auten-Schneider, citing internal data from OkCupid (see video above or listen below). “What’s interesting is daters who are budgeting are getting 25% more matches and having 16% more conversations than people who aren’t.”

Kaye said this data confirmed that “people are getting a little bit more comfortable having these conversations” about money, even when in the early stages of dating.

And it’s not just the dating apps that suggest budgets can be helpful in multiple aspects of one's life. According to a survey by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, 55% of those who budgeted felt more confident, while 52% felt more secure. These are traits that can translate into different parts of life outside of the budgeting spreadsheet — like into one’s love life.

Read more: How to budget: Your complete guide to budgeting for 2024

Kaye admitted that finances are at the forefront of many of his conversations with his fiancé, as being on the same page about their budget, spending, and investments is incredibly important as they plan their future together.

'Loud budgeting' more prevalent in dating, social circles

The “loud budgeting” TikTok trend has encouraged more people to be transparent about their financial situation, whether that be while planning a first date or juggling big life events in a social circle.

Despite the name implying otherwise, it’s not about shouting from the rooftops how much money one has to spend in a month. Rather, it's about being honest and open about financial constraints.

Having a budget and being frank about it can be attractive to potential partners, suggesting a willingness to have other important money conversations as the relationship progresses.

However, this doesn’t mean singles are necessarily looking for wealth.

According to a 2022 study from OkCupid, more than half of singles are looking to spend less than $50 on a first date, with only 11% admitting they’re comfortable spending more than $100.