Don’t hide ... couples should be open and transparent when it comes to managing money. Picture: Thinkstock. Source: Supplied

New findings from Mortgage Choice’s annual survey found 37 per cent of females were deceitful to their other half about a purchase compared to 31 per cent of men.

Mortgage Choice spokeswoman Jessica Darnbrough said many women are familiar with that feeling of committing financial infidelity.

No lies ... Jessica Darnbrough says it’s best to be honest about what you are spending money on. Picture: Supplied. Source: Supplied

“I think we’ve all been guilty of buying a pair of shoes or buying a new blouse and for men it’s buying that new gaming console,’’ she said.

“Often people don’t like their partner to know they’ve spent money on so they’ll say, “I’ve had this for a while” if they see a new purchase and they might hide it under the bed.”

Ms Darnborough said deceitful partners often pay by cash or use their own credit card account to make a hidden purchase to ensure their partner is kept in the dark.

Sneaky ... Australians who financially cheat on their partners often use cash or their own credit card to do so. Picture: Supplied. Source: News Limited

AMP financial planner Dianne Charman believes women feel the need to cheat when it comes to spending up on grooming costs or buying a new pair of shoes or dress.

“We often cheat because we haven’t spent money on ourselves anyway and we don’t say anything and we hide it,’’ she said.

“I have clients that set up a personal grooming account, for example for things such as the cost of getting your hair done.

“If I can get rid of the argument between people on who spends what or what it removes the need to cheat.’’

Ms Charman said the key to a lasting relationship is to be open and honest about spending.

The research also found women think they rule the roost on household finances (76 per cent), while most men think the buck stops with them (74 per cent).

“So perhaps the key to a happy relationship is making the other person think they are in control but really you are,’’ Ms Darnbrough said.

The data also showed Australians are good savers — more than 30 per cent of Australians have more than $10,000 tucked away in savings.