According to an NEFE  (National Endowment for Financial Education) study, a record 1 in 3 American is cheating on his or her spouse. This infidelity is financial, but it can be just as devastating as any other betrayal.

From secret credit-card spending on fine dining to luxury items (including clothes and jewelry), beauty treatments (a high-end spa, Botox, plastic surgery, quick facial lift, liposuction) and on gambling or other addictions, couples are financially cheating on each other as never before. They often get caught during a critical point when a bad credit score can show up after a joint mortgage application.

Seventy-six percent of people who participated in a NEFE study conducted by Harris Interactive say financial cheating by a spouse has hurt their relationship, ten percent said it ultimately led to divorce, and eight percent blamed it for a separation.

The NEFE study shows: That 30 percent of cheating couples concealed a purchase, bank account statement, bill or cash from the other; That 10 percent lied about their finances, earnings and debt; That 35 percent said they believe some part of their finances should remain private—off limits to their spouses.

If you want to stay in a relationship for the long term, whether you are married or not, having financial secrets is not the best idea. Your other half will eventually find out…