- Bessie Hassan
- Head of PR & Money Expert
- finder.com.au
- +61 402 567 568
- Bessie.Hassan@finder.com.au
Media Release
Loved-up Aussies spend $1.6 billion per year on secret purchases
- Men fork out more than twice as much as women
- Clothing and adult entertainment top the list of secret spending
- Tips for merging finances with your partner
19 June, 2019, Sydney, Australia - Millions of Aussies in relationships are guilty of secret spending, according to Finder, Australia's most visited comparison site.
New research by Finder reveals that 2.7 million Australians hide purchases from their partner, spending roughly $588 per month in secret.
Of those hiding purchases from their significant other, the most common purchases Aussie lovebirds are hiding include clothes (38%), guilt foods (32%), gambling (26%) and shoes (18%).
Men spend more on forking out $807 per month on secret purchases compared to just $366 for women.
Bessie Hassan, money expert at Finder, said discussing spending habits with your partner might depend on how far along in the relationship you are.
"If you've just started dating someone, there's no need to divulge every detail of your monthly expenditure.
"But if you're merging finances and moving in together, you'll probably need to have a conversation about money and spending habits.
"After all, if you plan on buying a home together down the track, both your credit scores will be considered. If your partner has a bad credit score, it'll impact your borrowing power as a couple."
Over half (60%) of secret spenders pay for their sneaky items with cash. A further 26% use a debit card while 24% whack it on the credit card.
"Using cash does suggest some Aussies are going the extra mile to cover their tracks. But if you're going to be merging finances — and lives — with your partner, they'll find out sooner or later if you're splashing cash behind their back," said Hassan.
Women are most likely to hide clothing purchases, while men more commonly hide adult entertainment.
Gen Y couples are the most likely to hide purchases from each other, while Baby Boomers are the least likely.
"Lying about your finances can damage a relationship, especially if it results in debt. If you're constantly hiding your spending from your partner, it's important to ask yourself why that might be the case," said Hassan.
| What spending do Aussies keep from their partners? | |
|---|---|
| Clothes | 38% |
| Guilt foods | 32% |
| Gambling | 26% |
| Shoes | 18% |
| Pub sessions/alcohol | 15% |
| Cigarettes | 14% |
| Adult entertainment | 10% |
| Other | 8% |
| Narcotics | 5% |
Source: Finder survey, May - June 2019 Aussies who have secret spending habits
Tips for merging finances with your partner:
- Have 'the talk'. It's important to have a clear understanding of how much each partner earns and what you'll both contribute. Be honest about your financial goals and any outstanding debt. Being honest from the start will prevent any financial hiccups down the track.
- Decide how to merge. There's no right or wrong way to do this. You may want to merge a portion of your finances for everyday spending and bills, and keep your saving accounts separate. Or you might combine your savings to work towards a joint goal like a holiday or a house deposit.
- Pick the right time. Make sure you trust your partner completely before taking the plunge and merging your money. Opening a joint account is a big step in any relationship, and both of you should be comfortable with it before going ahead.
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For further information
- Bessie Hassan
- Head of PR & Money Expert
- finder.com.au
- +61 402 567 568
- Bessie.Hassan@finder.com.au
Disclaimer
The information in this release is accurate as of the date published, but rates, fees and other product features may have changed. Please see updated product information on finder.com.au's review pages for the current correct values.
About Finder
Every month 2.6 million unique visitors turn to Finder to save money and time, and to make important life choices. We compare virtually everything from credit cards, phone plans, health insurance, travel deals and much more.
Our free service is 100% independently-owned by three Australians: Fred Schebesta, Frank Restuccia and Jeremy Cabral. Since launching in 2006, Finder has helped Aussies find what they need from 1,800+ brands across 100+ categories.
We continue to expand and launch around the globe, and now have offices in Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Poland and the Philippines. For further information visit www.finder.com.au.
12.6 million average unique monthly audience (June- September 2019), Nielsen Digital Panel