What can reality TV teach us about money? More than you think

What makes Leo interesting, however, is the way he broaches the subject of his finances with 32-year-old Brittany.

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In the first episode, Brittany tells the audience, “Some people want to be boss babes, make all the money and live their lifestyle, and I don’t want to live that way. “I’m obviously a model woman.”

And so, on their second date, Brittany raises a question she’s asked other men in the experiment: Does Leo believe in splitting living expenses evenly with his partner?

After thinking about it, Leo replies, “I don’t know if I’m convinced about paying everything, but I don’t think I should split 50/50 if I earn more.” But I like the idea “We both pay something because it feels like we’re both invested.”

Brittany then reveals that she was “100 percent taken care of” in her previous relationship and says she doesn’t agree with splitting the costs evenly, partly because women have expenses that men don’t – like makeup , clothing and physical education. As you can imagine, this was exactly the moment fans started losing their minds.

Whether you strongly agree or vehemently disagree with Brittany’s position or Leo’s response is not the point here. In my opinion, it is important that the conversation so early created a full understanding of values, expectations and goals.

And by putting everything on the table, the risk of confusion, deception and argument is significantly reduced.

For better or worse (I would say worse), money remains an incredibly taboo topic for many people. For this reason, when entering a new relationship, it can be difficult to broach the subject without sounding judgmental or as if you’re deciding whether your new boyfriend is a worthwhile investment opportunity.

But the way someone spends and saves their money can reveal a lot about them. For example, are they saving with a specific goal in mind or are they living paycheck to paycheck?

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Are they generous and like to yell at their friends because they know they deserve more, or do they live frugally or wait for you to pay the bill every time? Do they talk about the future with clear plans or do they take it day by day?

There are no exact right or wrong answers to these questions. But when you look at them, you can see how much people value themselves and the people in their lives.

And when you talk about money or ask these questions, you’re really trying to figure out whether your values, goals, and priorities align. Leo once admits, “One of my biggest insecurities is that a girl only wants me for my money.”

Considering how much of a stressful role finances and money can play in a relationship, it’s significantly better to be armed with such honest information early on than to find out months or even years later. As Brittany quickly discovered, many men’s values ​​there didn’t align. With this information she was able to continue searching for her person.

Of course, sitting from the comfort of our couches, it seems crazy that Brittany and Leo are so deep and so honest just a few days after meeting each other. However, according to a 2020 study by the U.S. Institute for Family Studies, money is one of the most common contentious topics among couples with young children, after housework and chores.

As with all reality TV stars, it doesn’t matter whether we like Leo and Brittany as people. It’s the transparency of their conversations and their respective honesty about their financial realities and expectations that makes great television.

Victoria Devine is an award-winning retired financial advisor, best-selling author and host of Australia’s leading financial podcast. She’s on the money. Victoria is also the founder and co-director of Zella Money.

• The advice provided in this article is general in nature and is not intended to influence readers’ decisions regarding investments or financial products. You should always seek your own professional advice, taking into account your personal circumstances, before making any financial decisions.