Money is one of the most common sources of conflict in a relationship. So it should come as no surprise that a recent Bankrate survey found that well over one-third (42 percent) of Americans in a relationship have kept a financial secret from their partner.

Keeping money-related secrets, or avoiding talking about money altogether, can lead to resentment, mistrust and ultimately the end of a relationship. Here’s how you can approach the topic with your significant other and how it can help your relationship.

Financial secrets: By the numbers

Of those who are married or living with a partner, a substantial number reported keeping a financial account of which their partner had no knowledge, Bankrate’s financial infidelity survey found. Listed below are various such accounts and the percentage who are currently keeping them secret from their partner, or who have done so in the past:

•Savings account: 19%

•Checking account: 17%

•Credit card account: 18%

Additionally, respondents reported keeping the following situations or behaviors from their partners, either currently or in the past:

•Spending more money than their partner would be fine with: 31%

•Keeping any amount of debt secret from their partner: 24%

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