According to a recent survey on money and relationships conducted by online dating website, RSVP, love is still more important than money, with a whopping 94 per cent of respondents saying that they value love over money.

In addition, 70 per cent of respondents rated personality ahead of physical appearance and intelligence when looking for a partner. Financial stability came a distant fourth.

"The results reinforce the importance of chemistry in relationships over superficial attributes. Relationships based on material and physical values stand on far shakier ground than those built on friendship and respect," said RSVP relationships expert, Lija Jarvis.

"This is great news for singles looking for committed relationships. The results from our survey show that personality and personal values are far more important than a share portfolio or what happens to be parked in the garage."

While a fat pay packet may not be the most important criteria for a potential partner, 87 per cent of respondents acknowledged that financial stability does help to keep a relationship stress-free. The survey also revealed that many singles still desire financial independence while in a relationship, with 33 per cent of respondents saying they would wait until they were married before opening a joint bank account and almost 20 per cent saying they would never open a joint bank account.

"Money is a source of stress for many couples and is a key determiner in the success or break down of relationships. While planning, talking and good advice about money are all essential, it’s also a good idea to do things in relationships that don’t focus on money," said Jarvis.

In addition, many singles were happy with good quality company on a first date rather than impressive and expensive date options.

"Just because you’ve overspent at Christmas and don’t have enough money to go out for an expensive dinner, it doesn’t mean you can’t date. There are lots of cheaper romantic options, such as ice cream in the park and under the stars and our members appear to be quite happy with a simple and relatively economical first encounter," said Jarvis.

Dollars and sense - the fast facts:

Almost 30 per cent of respondents thought their income was part of their attractiveness to a potential partner

The biggest financial investment respondents said they would make with a partner of more than 6 months is a sandwich, followed by property, with business venture proving to be the least popular

An overwhelming 82 per cent of respondents believe it isn’t worth fighting over money in a relationship

Almost half of respondents said they would take a job where they earn more money even if it meant spending less time with their family

Hiding extravagant Christmas sales purchases may not be a stretch for some, with 36 per cent of those surveyed admitting to keeping a bank account secret from their partner

Just over half of the survey respondents were prepared to spend up to $250 on a romantic dinner for two