Why People Shop on the Sly

En español | Are you guilty of financial infidelity or spending money your spouse doesn't know about?

See also: Rein in wasteful spending.

In a recent survey commissioned by CESI Debt Solutions, a nonprofit agency dedicated to debt-free living, 80 percent of married individuals admitted hiding purchases or keeping their spouses in the dark about certain spending decisions. Yet 73 percent of those married persons said they believe that spending more than $100 without telling your spouse is unacceptable. 

So what's with all the hush-hush financial habits?

Sharing financial responsibilities can be challenging, especially if your spouse or significant other has a different "money personality" than you, and the two of you are set in your ways. Even many older couples who have been together for years can find it difficult to see eye to eye about money matters.

Use the following tips to improve your finances as a couple — and to open up the communication channels with your mate.

— Photo by: Corbis

Schedule Time for Money Conversations
Set up a weekly or monthly meeting dedicated to your household finances. This can make the rest of the week or month less stressful. It also makes it easier to solve problems before they get out of hand.

Unfortunately, too many couples simply fail to communicate about money matters — potentially leading to major financial issues, such as excessive debt.

Next: How to handle compulsive shopping. >>