The 'financial infidelity' that can sink couples

The 'financial infidelity' that can sink couples Getty Images Secrecy and dishonesty around spending creates rifts in relationships. Experts say the reason financial infidelity is so common is because we find money matters in general hard to talk about – and things become even harder when we think we’ve mismanaged our money or used it in a way that our partner might disapprove of. Jenny Olson, an associate professor of marketing at Indiana University, US, who’s studied the phenomenon, says two main components must exist to classify as financial infidelity. “We’re our own individual persons, and we like to have some autonomy with our finances as well.” Problems with managing money can make you feel less than, and worried about what people will think of you – Beverly Harzog But the most common reason people keep finances secret is because they want to avoid a confrontation or being made to feel embarrassed about their spending. I knew how to handle all the money, he didn’t.” Bouncing back Dealing with financial infidelity as a couple can be hard – and the first challenge may be finding out about it.