More than a third (37%) of people hide (or have hidden) their finances from their partner.
Is this you?
If so, you are definitely not alone.
In case you are wondering, the majority hid cash, followed (in order) by a minor purchase, statement or bill, an entire bank account, and a major purchase.
Since we are raised to have so much shame and guilt around money, and money is one of the top causes of arguments between couples, it is no surprise that we may choose to hide something rather than have it escalate to a fight.
Especially if we feel we may have done something wrong and already feel bad about it..
I know I hid cash and an entire bank account from my now-ex-husband. It was the only way I knew I would be able to buy groceries and pay the rent. And, you can see how well that worked out…
I also know couples who have their own accounts as well as a joint account and this works absolutely perfectly for them.
The difference is one is agreed upon and the other is secretive.
After all, no one wants to ask permission like a child- especially from their significant other. As Mary Kay Ash used to say: “it is far better to beg forgiveness than to ever ask permission”.
If you are currently one of the 37%, what are your thoughts on having a heart-to-heart with your significant other about coming out of the shadows? This does not mean you have to be completely transparent about what you do with your money, but maybe you decide you each have a discretionary account to do whatever you want with (much like your “play” account)?