¡°Money is a really 5emotional, important topic.¡±

Bankrate senior industry analyst Ted Rossman says secret spending along with hidden 6debt or accounts can be a real cause for concern in a relationship.

¡°It¡¯s hard enough to meet your financial goals if you¡¯re 7pulling in the same direction. It¡¯s that much harder if somebody is 8squirreling money away or keeping secret debt or secret accounts.¡±

And all that hiding can have lasting 9consequences.

¡°I think, the longer the secret festers, the worse the breach of trust is going to feel if it does come out and it probably will at some point.¡±

Talking about money, for many Americans, feels 10taboo.

¡°People want 11privacy. They don¡¯t want somebody else 12looking over their shoulder. They¡¯13re embarrassed about the way they handle money.¡±

But the key to a healthy relationship and healthy finances, Rossman says, is honesty and communication.

¡°It¡¯s important to schedule some time, whether it¡¯s formal or informal just to check in with your spouse on money¡¦ everything from the routine bills that need to be paid to the big picture stuff.¡±

He advises starting small and taking a positive approach while coming up with 14mutual financial goals and achieving your dreams.