Fellas – forget splashing the cash, if you want either a date or a long term mate. For today’s modern woman values a savvy saver over a flashy spendthrift, according to new research from Yorkshire Building Society (YBS).

In a recently commissioned survey of 1631 adults across the UK, YBS reveals that the hottest prospects for both dating and long term relationships are those who save their money rather than spend it, with debt the biggest turn off.

Overdrafts, credit card debt and accounts in the red are a big turn off. More than 60% of women say they would prefer a man with no debt either to date or as a long-term partner.

A man with savings is highly attractive for a long term relationship. Over half of women agree. Furthermore, more than 40% of women (43%) would want to date a man if they knew he had some savings.

Also women want a man who considers his purchases carefully. A third are impressed by men who resist spending on impulse and hunt for bargains. Only 4% would want to date a man who is always spending and has the latest of everything, and for a long-term partner, this trait only appeals to 2% of women.

In contrast, receiving inexpensive yet considered gifts is rated far more highly than being indulged with lavish presents. Almost 60% of women (59%) would want to date or have a long-term relationship with a man who gave thoughtful low cost gifts, whereas fewer than 3% want expensive and perhaps less personal grand gestures.

Successful savings for a successful life

The research also showed that people see having savings as a barometer of wider life achievement. More than half of adults surveyed (54%) thought that good savers would also be successful financially and 36% that they would be successful in life. In contrast the spendthrift was considered far less successful. Only 4% thought spenders would be successful financially and 5% thought they would be successful in life.

Tanya Jackson, Media Relations Manager at Yorkshire Building Society commented: “It seems money really can buy you love as today’s singles search for a saving-smart superhero to settle down with. We’re more likely to be swept off our feet with a thoughtful gift than a flashy gesture.

“Modern romance appears to be more practical with a savings habit seen as an indication of your success in life – making those who watch the pennies the ones more likely to find long lasting love.”

Celebrity savers and spenders

Top of the list of celebrity savers was entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson, closely followed by Sir Paul McCartney.

Elton John topped the list of celebrity spenders. Socialite, Paris Hilton was second and David Beckham came third.