The secret purchase people keep from their partner

Prue* (not pictured) is among the one third of Australians in relationships hiding luxury purchases from their partners. Source / Getty Images

A Brisbane-based woman has revealed her expensive secret — come pay time, she spends about $5000 a month on luxury items and her husband has no idea.

Her strategy? Pretend as though they've always been in her closet.

The 30-year-old woman, who has been married for five years, says she and her partner have very different views on money and how it should be spent.

"He is quite conservative. He is a male so their willingness and desire to spend money is very different to females — to the most part it's a gross generalisation, but in our case, our idea of splurging is very different."

Prue* who wishes to remain anonymous, will spend up to $5000 a month on designer brands.

"When I buy shoes and bags I tend to go for more investment pieces. I don't buy things that are necessarily in trend, I buy things I can wear all the time.

"I don't think he notices it. I never talk about new things I've bought."

The mother of one, who also works full-time in marketing emphasised it is her hard-earned cash that she is spending.

Research reveals 34 per cent of Australians in debt feel anxious or depressed about owing money. Source / Getty Images

"I have friends in similar situations but the commonality, is that we are working full-time jobs with decent salaries, so it's not like I'm spending money we don't have and relying on my spouse to pay the bills.

"I can do it because I can afford it; if we were struggling to pay bills then God no I wouldn't be."

According to new research from Suncorp, almost one-third of Australians in relationships are keeping luxury purchases under wraps from their partners, with many couples avoiding discussions about debt altogether.

Suncorp Behavioural Economist Phil Slade, an expert on the psychology of spending said debt remains a highly emotive topic and individual expectations on what is a "good" or 'bad" use of money can differ greatly.

"In any type of relationship there is an unspoken social contract that guides individual behaviour with regards to spending, saving and other responsibilities," Mr Slade said.

He said, in Australia, there is a tendency to think "my money is my problem".

"When in fact we know that debt is a topic that can impact both couples and families."

The type of debt Australians experience also differs, with people aged 18 to 34 more likely to have personal loans and other forms of short-term finance, he said.

"Younger generations are more likely to make purchases motivated by a need for instant gratification, and there's a sense they deserve to 'treat' themselves."

Younger generations are more likely to make purchases motivated by a need for instant gratification. Source / Getty Images

Put your cards on the table

Whether you're entering a new relationship, reassessing your family finances or approaching retirement, money is going to determine those moments that matter. Becoming financially fit involves being transparent with your partner about your credit card debt, personal loans, credit scores and any other factors that may influence financial outcomes.

Set 'SMART' goals

'Smart' goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and timely — for example, saving for a home deposit or consolidating superannuation funds. Even simple 'smart' goals such as tracking your spending for a week can be less emotionally effortful, and a good place to start becoming more financially aware.

Start small

You're never going to solve all your financial queries within one conversation — so instead, start small and focus on the items that can be actioned as a priority.