Almost half of UK adults have lied to their partner about spending

Over four in ten people (42 per cent) have lied to a partner about their spending, according to new research by AA credit cards. A further 13 per cent of people say that they don't lie, but they do keep their spending a secret.

Respondents were most likely to lie about the cost of clothes, with 35 per cent saying that they have been less than truthful about money they have spent. 29 per cent would most likely lie about the amount they've spent on hobbies, and 21 per cent about nights out. Women are much more likely to lie about the cost of clothes, with 56 per cent claiming to have lied compared to just 14 per cent of men. In contrast, 39 per cent of men lie about the cost of hobbies as opposed to just 19 per cent of women. 

33 per cent of people claim to be dishonest about expenditure because their partner doesn't agree with impractical spending. 22 per cent stated it was because they and their partner have different views, and 21 per cent because their partner would prefer that they saved money instead. 

The research showed that young people are more likely to lie about their spending, although men and women were equally likely to be dishonest about costs. This will come as no surprise to many, as data released by Citizens Advice in September showed that young people are facing stifling debt. In the last year the number of young people requesting advice on debt issues increased by 21 per cent. As unsecured borrowing is on the up, many young people are finding themselves stuck in serious debt.

Kathryn Thomas, director of AA Financial Services, said: "Most people will have told a white lie at some point about how much something cost, but for some people it’s obviously more habitual. Hiding expensive purchases shows it’s quite a serious issue – couples would likely benefit from sitting down to discuss their finances with each other and try to work out their differences before unexplained debt becomes a real issue."

By James Francis