*click, click, click.*

Students take your seats; another class is in session. For today's lesson, we'll be looking at the lying Liartons of our nation's consumers, specifically those in relationships. A 2010 survey by CESI Debt Solutions found that 80% of married couples admit hiding certain purchases from their spouses, and 18.5% have hidden credit cards. You, there, in the back of the class. Is this wrong to do?

Um…yes?

Precisely, dear student! Not only is lying harmful in relationships, but making senseless purchases can be harmful to your available funds as well. Case in point: these six secret spenders.

Now, I'm not condoning the idea that we should reveal all of our purchases to our partners. I mean, a pack of gum is probably best left undisclosed (unless he/she wants some). What should be out in the open are big purchases or constant spending; basically any factor with the potential to break the bank. One pack of gum may not empty your pockets, but 50 packs certainly could. What I'm proposing is to be open about your finances--especially with your partners, if you have one. By opening the issue up for discussion, there's a good chance that your budget can be reworked to allow for more personal spending.

Budget, you ask? Well, we say it a lot, and we'll keep saying it until everyone hears: budget…Budget…BUDGET. By allocating funds to necessary expenses first and foremost, you'll likely have room to use the leftovers for play money. (Try getting started with online money managers like Mint and Buxfer.) And this goes for all you students who are single and ready to mingle. Be open about your finances. Sweeping them under the rug can only lead to personal and financial heartache.

--Chris

Photo taken from this photostream and used with permission of a Creative Commons license.
 

Leave a Comment

0 Comments