Nothing can kill a romantic relationship faster than financial infidelity, according to a new study by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA).

From January 13-15, 2021, the Harris Poll, on behalf of the institute, conducted an online survey of 2,040 U.S. adults ages 18 and older; 1,157 of the respondents were married or living with a partner.

Nearly three in four (73%) married or cohabitating Americans said that financial decisions were a source of tension in their relationship. Of those respondents, nearly half (47%) said the tension had hurt intimacy with their partner. More men (52%) than women (41%) complained of intimacy issues related to finances in particular, especially couples who have children in their household (60%).

The survey also found that seven in 10 Americans married or living with a partner (69%) have had a disagreement with their companion about finances in the past year. Those disagreements most often revolved around needs versus wants (36%), spending priorities (28%), purchases made without a discussion (22%), paying off debt (21%) and saving for larger purchases (19%).

Only 56% of married or cohabitating Americans said they were very comfortable talking to their partner about finances.

Most couples considered concealment of substantial debt or assets to be financial cheating, and reason enough to end a relationship. In fact, the survey found that two in five Americans married or living with their partner (41%) would be at least somewhat likely to call it quits if they discovered their partner was dishonest with them about their finances. 

The younger the couple, the less likely a partner said they would be to forgive and forget, with 55% of respondents aged 18 to 34 saying they would leave if their partner engaged in financial cheating, while just 22% of couples age 65 or older said they felt the same.

“Investing in financial compatibility early on pays dividends in the long run,” said Gregory J. Anton, chairman of the AICPA’s National CPA Financial Literacy Commission, in a news release announcing the study’s findings. “If left ignored, financial stressors can tear through a relationship and ruin more than just your bank balances. When you share your money values and set joint financial goals together, you help to set your relationship up for success.”

Founded in 1887, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants is a national association headquartered in Durham, N.C.