Are you a secret spender?

Millions of Brits are spending money on treats and indulgences without telling their partner.

According to AJ Bell, more than half (54%) of people in relationships have spent cash in the past year and not told their other half.

On average, secret spenders have spent more than £2,000 in the last 12 months.

And it’s men who are spending the most.

Figures showed that men are secretly spending £2,545 on average.

That compares with £1,769 for women.

What are people buying?

Clothing tops the list for both male and female secret spenders.

One in five (20%) men have bought clothes without telling their partner, along with one in three (35%) of women.

But beyond that, there’s a clear gender split in what people are buying.

Nearly a fifth of men have bought vices like cigarettes and alcohol without letting their partner know.

Meanwhile, almost a quarter of women have secretly bought beauty products (including appointments).

Young people are more secretive

Gen Z - people born between 1997 and 2012 - were found to be more secretive with their spending than older people.

This age group has secretly spent £4,303 on average in the last year.

By contrast, over-55s have kept £384 of spending secret during this time.

Talk about money with your partner

Laura Suter, director of personal finance at AJ Bell, stressed that people don’t have to tell their other half every time they buy a coffee or get their nails done.

However, she said “major costs, recurring habits or anything that risks derailing a joint financial plan should be on the table.” 

“Open conversations about money may not be romantic,” Ms Suter commented.

“But they are essential for building trust and avoiding nasty surprises when it comes to shared finances.”