BlueSky Thinking Summary

In a landmark study, Kellogg School professor Eli Finkel and his colleagues examine how different bank account structures impact marital satisfaction among newlyweds.

The research, forthcoming in the Journal of Consumer Research and coauthored by Indiana University's Jenny Olson, followed 230 couples who have typically kept separate accounts over the course of two years.

The findings of this study have revealed that couples who had combined their finances in a joint bank account recorded sustained relationship quality and improved financial harmony, compared to those who had separate accounts and reported declining satisfaction.

This is to support how shared joint accounts drive goals in tandem and reduce transactional frictions between the two partners.

While this study made light on how many couples would be positively impacted, it also begs a unique question of suitability for all relationships.

This research not only brought to light practical strategies one can use to ensure marital happiness but also raised the issue of how these couples managed their finances.