When love and money collide, even strong couples can start to feel tense. According to a survey conducted by online money moving giant Paypal last year, money is the No.1 issue couples fight about. It tears relationships apart. Not surprisingly, some couples employ a not-so-useful strategy to ease the conflict - they commit financial infidelity. Is this a new-fangled type of betrayal, you ask? In a word, yes. Pretending money problems aren’t there only makes the fight worse.

Financial infidelity is the act of lying, deceiving or being otherwise dishonest about finances. So what are the signs? Instead of cheating with a person, some people cheat with hidden bills and secret receipts. 1. Hiding purchases. If you or your mate hides purchases from the other, lies about something you bought being on sale or takes great pains to make sure your significant other doesn’t see your credit card statement every month, you are committing financial infidelity.

Hiding income. If you or your guy is keeping the other in the dark about income you are receiving, you are causing a rift in your relationship that will not be easy to mend. According to money guru Michelle Singletary, recommends that couples who are confronted with a partner who is hiding income see a marriage counselor to get to the root of why he/she is exhibiting this behavior. Trust between you erodes fast when one partner controls the story about cash coming in.

Hiding debt. If you suddenly discover that your mate is drowning in debt that he/she has concealed from you, it can only foster resentment and distrust. If you’re married, your spouse’s hidden debt is also your debt. Hiding mounting debt from a partner is an act of betrayal that will corrode your relationship. It’s important that if you find yourself in this situation, you confront your partner right away to get at the root of the problem and do all you can to solve it.