text: Honesty is key in any relationship – but almost half of us lie to our partners about our finances, a study has revealed. Forty-five per cent of Britons have lied about their earnings, spending, bills or credit cards. And 41 per cent said they were in the dark about their partner's finances. Around one in five have lied to a partner about what they earn, with 10 per cent of those surveyed having understated their salary, four per cent having overstated it and another four per cent admitting to lying in both ways. The survey by financial guide Money Advice Service found 45 per cent of Brion have lied about their earnings, spending and credit cars, and 41 per cent of people surveyed din't know how much their partner earned . Of those who downplayed their wages, the main reason was to spare the feelings of a partner who earned less. However some said they lied to make sure their partner was with them for the right reasons – and not because of their bank account. The majority of insecure workers who exaggerated their salary to a partner because they didn't think they would stand a chance otherwise. Not wanting a partner to think they earned more came in second. The research by financial guide Money Advice Service also found that 24 per cent lied to their partners about what they spend on themselves. For women clothes were the biggest reason for lying, with 66 per cent fibbing about the cost of their wardrobe, while for men, technology purchases had caused 27 per cent to lie. The main reason for lying, the survey found, was to spare the feelings of a partner who earned less . Of the women who lied about how much they spend on themselves, two-thirds weren't honest with their partners about how much they spent on clothes and shoes. One in four men lied about technology purchases . Nick Hill, from Money Advice Service, says: 'For many couples, honesty is key to their relationship, but our research shows that many people hide the truth from their other half. 'Some people are comfortable telling their partner the truth about their finances, while others opt to hide their income or spending in order to avoid having a difficult conversation. 'The important thing to take away from this research is that money should not be a taboo subject within a relationship. 'It is vital to know where you stand in order to protect your finances both during a relationship and when coming out of one and you'll feel much more positive, open and honest about your relationship as a result.'
target: Poll found 45 per cent of Briton lied about their spending to their partner .
  One in four people don't admit how much they really spend on themselves .
  Finances 'should not be a taboo subject' urges Money Advice Service .