- Financial secrecy is a major trust breaker
- If your partner avoids talking about finances, there's likely more going on
- TheRadar has gathered some financial red flags to watch out for in your partner
Money and love are a powerful duo that can either build a strong partnership or break it apart.
When you're in love, it's easy to overlook a partner’s flaws, especially when they’re wrapped up in good looks, charm, or emotional chemistry.
But if you're thinking long-term, love alone isn’t enough.
Financial compatibility plays a huge role in the success of any serious relationship.
That’s why it’s crucial to recognise the warning signs early.
From secret debts to reckless spending, there are red flags that can signal deeper problems ahead.
Whether you’re just dating or already planning a future together, ignoring money habits can lead to serious stress, constant arguments, resentment, and even heartbreak down the line.
Here are the top financial red flags to watch out for in a partner, the subtle and not-so-subtle behaviours that could spell trouble down the road.
If you're aiming for a healthy, stable relationship, these are the money cues you can’t afford to ignore.
Top financial red flags to look out for in your partner
1. They’re secretive about their finances
Transparency is key. If your partner avoids conversations about money or gets defensive when you ask simple financial questions, it could be a sign that they’re hiding something.
Whether it's a mountain of debt, reckless spending, or lack of income, secrecy breeds mistrust.
You can gently encourage open, honest discussions about income, debts, and goals.
However, If they shut down consistently, take note.
2. They live beyond their means
Does your partner have the latest phone, go on spontaneous trips, or shop like a Kardashian but doesn’t seem to have a stable income or savings plan?
Lifestyle inflation without income to back it up is a dangerous path.
Observe if they spend to impress or to cope. Talk about budgeting, and see if they’re open to making smarter choices.
3. They avoid talking about debt
Almost everyone has some form of debt. But if your partner dodges questions about their debts, changes the subject, or refuses to talk about it, you should be concerned.
Ask about their financial obligations in a non-judgemental way. If they still resist, it may be time to rethink things.
4. They expect you to always pay
While there's nothing wrong with taking care of each other occasionally, it becomes a red flag when the balance is always tipped in their favour.
If you're always footing the bill and they don’t offer to contribute, that's a major concern.
Set boundaries and make it clear you expect mutual effort when it comes to spending and saving.
5. They have no financial goals
Does your partner live day-to-day with no savings, no investment plans, and no idea where their money goes?
That’s not just a “free spirit” trait; it's a potential disaster waiting to happen.
Discuss future aspirations to see if they’re interested in setting small financial goals. If they have no interest at all, take it seriously.
6. They’re addicted to borrowing or lending
If your partner is constantly borrowing money from you or others, or frequently lending out cash without boundaries, that's a red flag for poor financial judgement or people-pleasing tendencies that can lead to losses.
Ask them about repayment plans, and if their borrowing or lending is a recurring issue, insist on accountability.
7. They don’t respect your financial boundaries
If they guilt-trip you for not buying them expensive things or try to control how you spend your money, that’s a toxic red flag.
Financial manipulation is also a form of control, and it often escalates over time.
Your financial independence is your right, and any partner who can’t respect that may not be right for you.
8. They make big financial decisions without consulting you
Being in a relationship means making joint decisions.
If your partner makes major purchases, takes out loans, or invests without telling you, it's a sign they don't see you as an equal partner.
Emphasise the importance of teamwork, and if they keep sidelining you, rethink the partnership.
9. They think money will “work itself out”
Financial optimism is great, but blind faith in things magically working out, especially with no plans or effort, is dangerous.
Talk about financial literacy, budgeting, or even taking a financial course together. If they refuse to get real, it may be a dealbreaker.
10. They pressure you to combine finances
If your partner is eager to merge accounts, co-sign loans, or start joint investments early in the relationship, pause and ask why.
It could be a sign of financial dependency or manipulation, especially if they benefit more from the arrangement.
Take your time to think about it. Finances should only be merged with trust, transparency, and mutual understanding.
Financial red flags in relationships don’t mean your partner is a bad person, but they do mean you need to pay attention.
Don't sweep concerns under the rug or hope they’ll disappear with time.
A healthy love also includes financial respect, transparency, and shared responsibility.
If you're in a relationship where these red flags show up constantly and your partner is unwilling to change or grow, it may be time to put yourself first and walk away.
10 smart money decisions to make in 2025
Meanwhile, in an earlier report, TheRadar highlighted 10 essential smart decisions that will get you closer to achieving your money goals by the end of the year.
It is essential to align your financial goals with smart, time-tested, and implementable strategies so you don’t burn out or feel overwhelmed while chasing those goals.