1. One of us has found statements to the other’s secret credit account.
True, False
2. We both know our household net worth.
True, False
3. I notice $100-plus purchases my partner hasn’t mentioned.
True, False
4. We both know the other’s income sources and earnings.
True, False
5. I hide pricey purchases (e.g., golf clubs, designer bags).
True, False
6. We schedule money discussions.
True, False
7. I suspect (s)he has cash stashed.
True, False
8. When one of us helps a friend or relative financially, the other is aware.
True, False
9. I keep a stash of cash secret from my partner.
True, False
10. We’ve discussed our goals within the last 30 days.
True, False
11. One or both of us have masked a money issue to maintain control.
True, False
12. We both know the other’s financial strengths and weaknesses.
True, False
13. I’ve purchased gifts for someone without telling my partner.
True, False
14. We can access each other’s financial documents.
True, False
15. I’ve found receipts/thank-you notes for gifts
(s)he didn’t mention giving.
True, False
16. I never feel guilty about my spending.
True, False
17. I don’t want to worry my partner with the truth.
True, False
18. We both know how much debt the other has.
True, False
19. (S)he’s gotten parking tickets I discovered by
accident.
True, False
20. If I forget to pay a bill, I fess up.
True, False
21. When (s)he promises to foot the bill, (s)he reneges.
True, False
22. We know each other’s credit scores.
True, False
23. I’ve lied that a splurge was on sale.
True, False
24. I’m hiding a costly habit (e.g., gambling, drugs).
True, False
25. I suspect my partner is hiding a costly habit.
True, False
26. I have a secret dependent (e.g., love child, mistress, spouse other than mate).
True, False
27. I suspect my partner lives a double life.
True, False
28. I hide my mail.
True, False
29. I’ve secretly withdrawn from our account.
True, False
30. I’ve discovered secret withdrawals from our account.
True, False
31. When I ask about money, (s)he changes the subject.
True, False
32. (S)he’d leave me if (s)he knew the money mess I was in.
True, False
SCORING:
Even numbered questions 1–22:
Tally one point for each FALSE answer.
Odd numbered questions 1–22:
Tally one point for each TRUE answer.
If you answered TRUE to ANY of questions 23–32, tally an additional 15 points.
[0–5] PARTNERS IN PROSPERITY understand their investments and discuss meeting their goals. “Jointly managing
finances is key,” says Carrie Braxdale, managing director, investor services at TD Ameritrade.
[6–15] CASUAL WITH CASH.
A tendency to compartmentalize or ignore details endangers a couple’s financial future.
[16-plus] “FINANCIAL INFIDELITY occurs when couples with combined finances lie to each other about money,”
according to Investopedia. Sessions with a debt or marriage counselor can be a life-changing investment.