Forget Sex, Money Is The New Taboo

A third of couples would prefer to discuss sex or previous relationships than their bank balance.

Research from city watchdog the Financial Services Authority revealed that almost three-quarters of couples found money the hardest subject to talk about. 27% of couples regularly argued when trying to discuss their finances About a third of couples lied to their partners about how much they spent on their credit cards

About the same amount were kept awake at night worrying about their money situation Relationship psychologist Christine Webber said: “Not knowing how to bring up the subject of money with a loved one without sounding accusatory, mean or overly serious, can cause incredible relationship stress.

“But there are some very simple steps couples can take to open up the lines of financial communication – it’s vital that people start talking.”

Men were prepared to do anything to avoid talking about finances, with almost a third preferring to answer questions about their partners' personal appearance rather than ones about money.

Women, on the other hand, were more likely to ask their partners for career advice More women (38%) are kept awake worrying about money than men (29%) of men.

43% of couples lie to each other about how much they spend on luxuries for themselves A third of women are dishonest to their partners about their credit card spending habits (33%) compared to 29% of men admitting not always telling the truth.