MORE than half of us miss red flags which show a partner is financially struggling, a new poll has found.
The research, by Experian, found women are most likely to be victims of economically abusive behaviour with 4.1 million UK women experiencing it in the past year.
We reveal eight signs which might mean your partner is flat broke[/caption]
“Money is deeply tied to power, trust and emotional security in a relationship,” explains chartered psychologist Dr Louise Goddard-Crawley.
“When financial issues are hidden or ignored, they can lead to secrecy, resentment or even financial abuse, which can be as damaging as any other form of control.
“You see, money isn’t just about paying the bills, it’s also a critical part of how we trust and care for each other.
“Honest and open communication about money, no matter how uncomfortable, creates space for solutions instead of secrecy. If you’re in trouble, ask for help.
“The longer financial stress is buried, the harder it becomes to untangle.”
Here, Louise reveals eight signs which might reveal your partner is flat broke.
THEY LIVE LIKE A POP STAR
IF your partner is always in designer clothes, booking luxury holidays, or eating at expensive restaurants but their salary doesn’t quite align with that lifestyle, it could be a sign they’re living beyond their means.
In one study, 40 per cent of respondents admitted to overspending in a bid to keep up with friends or maintain a certain image.
Overspending and reliance on credit can be ways of masking financial insecurity, and in some cases, it suggests they may already be in debt and trying to keep up appearances.
THEY PAY IN CASH
If your partner prefers to pay in cash, they might be wanting to keep transactions off their bank statements[/caption]
WHEN financial stress sets in, people often look for ways to manage appearances while quietly navigating money troubles.
If your partner suddenly prefers to pay in cash, it might not be about convenience.
Instead, it could be an attempt to avoid the embarrassment of a declined card or to keep transactions off their bank statements.
It’s a technique used by 35 per cent of Brits when wanting to save cash.
THEY WANT TO GET COSY ON THE SOFA
IF they used to love a dinner out or weekend trip but now keep suggesting “a cosy night in” or “just going for a walk,” they might not just be prioritising quality time.
Brits typically spend £69 a month on going out.
Avoiding social spending can be a subtle way of covering up financial strain, especially if they’re reluctant to admit why they’re suddenly opting out.
THEY TURN ON THE ROMANCE
IF expensive gifts were once their favourite way to show they care, but now they’re showering you with handwritten letters, surprise breakfasts, or candlelit baths, it could be a sign they’re finding ways to express affection without spending money.
A huge 48 per cent of us cut back on gift-giving when facing financial hardship.
While thoughtful gestures are meaningful, a sudden shift could indicate a financial reality they’re not yet ready to share.
THEY ARE GLUED TO THEIR PHONE
If your partner is always on his phone, they might be hiding overdue bills or debt reminders[/caption]
BUT not in the usual way. They may seem suddenly more protective of their phone, hastily swiping away notifications or intercepting a post before you can see it.
If you see this, they might be hiding overdue bills or debt reminders.
With the rise of Buy Now, Pay Later apps, like Klarna and Clearpay, more Brits are managing short-term borrowing through their phones.
Financial secrecy isn’t always about deception; again, it’s often driven by shame or the fear of being judged.
‘FREE’ IS THEIR LOVE LANGUAGE
A NEWFOUND enthusiasm for “free” might not just be a savvy shift. Instead, it could be a sign they’re being more strategic with money out of necessity.
If there is a change, so if they were once carefree with spending but now seize every cost-saving opportunity, such as a free gym membership of Netflix trial, it’s worth considering whether financial strain is at play.
According to one study, 18 per cent of those who have signed up to a free trial admit they did so because they were trying to save money or avoid spending altogether.
THEY HAVE CHANGED THEIR ROUTINE
LAST month, they were picking up the bill without hesitation. Now, they’re meal-prepping religiously and insisting on walking instead of taking the bus.
A dramatic shift in spending patterns, especially if they won’t explain why, can be a sign they’re trying to regain control after realising their finances aren’t in great shape.
They’re not alone, as 57 per cent of Brits have made significant changes to their spending habits amid the cost of living crisis to save cash.
THEY SELL THEIR FAVOURITE FOOTBALL SHIRT
SELLING a few bits on Vinted is one thing, but if they are offloading gadgets, clothes or even sentimental items, like a watch gifted by their grandparents, or that signed football shirt they’ve cherished for years, it could be a sign they are struggling to stay afloat.
People don’t always talk about financial difficulties outright, but they do often leave clues in their behaviour.
Be especially wary if they suggest selling anything of yours.
- For more information about chartered psychologist Dr Louise Goddard-Crawley visit www.drlouisegc.co.uk
