Kevin O’Leary is always known to give his unsolicited hot takes. Best known as an investor and the Sharkiest Shark on the Shark Tank judge’s panel. This time, the area of expertise he has picked is the concept of marriage. Being the finance bro he is, Kevin has decided to share his two cents on the interrelation of marriage and money.
Mr. Wonderful once again shares some not-so-wonderful take he has. According to him, infidelity is not the leading cause of relationships falling apart. It’s money problems and financial pressures. After all, a wise man did once say, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.”
Kevin O’Leary On Money vs Infidelity in Marriage
Mr. Wonderful recently said in an interview that “The No. 1 reason for breakups in marriage is not cheating — it’s financial pressure. It’s one partner outspending the other.”
O’Leary, in his typical finance bro nature, describes marriage as a financial partnership at its base. He compares money to a first child that never leaves the table. If one partner mishandles it, the stability of the relationship is at risk.
Kevin believes the partner you choose shapes your financial future more than any other decision. He points out that romance may bring people together, but long-term stability depends on shared money values.
He suggests raising and discussing financial topics early. The Kevin O’Leary method involves discussing finances as early as the third date. After that, the discussion can include goals, spending patterns, and drive.
In his own words, Kevin says, “These things really, really matter in the first three years of a marriage. You can see disastrous outcomes if somebody is a spendaholic and the other is not, and they never discussed this or talked about their financial goals in the first place.”
While his overall advice is rooted in financial well-being, we believe that the third date may be a bit too early to follow through with it.
Why Shared and Separate Accounts Both Matter
Finances work best when both partners take responsibility for their finances. But this does not mean putting all finances in one joint account.
Kevin suggests keeping separate accounts for personal spending while having a joint account for shared costs. This setup helps couples pursue shared goals without giving up financial independence.
How the First Year and a Half Shapes Your Money Habits
The initial 18 months are when partners need to establish how they handle spending, saving, and helping each other with money. Kevin emphasizes the importance of this period by saying, “This is absolutely crucial. It’s the most important thing.”
Kevin O’Leary on the Trade-Offs of Work and Family
Earlier this year, Kevin shared his personal experience of raising a family and how it came with difficult trade-offs. He admitted he spent most of his time working while his wife managed the household. In his view, being the provider was his own way of contributing.
He expanded on the same, saying, “It’s always a really tough decision … you’re often not there for your kids while they’re growing up, because during those formative years, you’re just working. That was my case. So my wife did a great job in raising my kids, but I was a great provider.”
He further elaborated on the matter by adding, “If you want your marriage to survive, eliminate financial stress. That’s rule No. 1. Part of the whole financial issue of marriage is you’ve got to provide, you have to take care of your family.”
Marriage, Money, and the Weight of Responsibility
At the core of Kevin’s point is a reminder that many couples learn the hard way. Money talks, whether you like it or not. Love matters, but if finances constantly pull you in different directions, the relationship will feel the strain.
It might seem cynical, but being clear about money early on is one of the best ways to protect the love you’re trying to build.
