New research from Experian reveals that 71% of Brits are not confident in their ability to identify the warning signs of financial abuse in relationships
Over half of Brits (52%) admit to overlooking a financial red flag in a past or current relationship, but don’t always know how to identify them
Women overwhelmingly experience economic abuse with 4.1 million UK women having experienced it in the last 12 months, according to data from Surviving Economic Abuse
Experian and dating expert, Anna Williamson, are launching Season 2 of ‘The Cost of Loving’ podcast to help Brits identify and address signs of toxic financial habits in relationships
London, 14 February 2025 - This Valentine’s Day, Experian is urging Brits to not overlook financial red flags and spot the warning signs before it’s too late. Financial red flags in a relationship are warning signs like refusing to discuss finances, irresponsible and controlling financial behaviour or patterns that indicate a lack of financial compatibility and trust within a relationship.
New research from the money platform reveals that over half of Brits (52%) admit to overlooking a financial red flag in a past or current relationship. The most common red flags were found to be a partner’s unwillingness to discuss money (32%) and being made to feel guilty by a partner about spending money on oneself (21%).
Gen Z, despite popularising the discussion of red flags on social media, often overlook financial red flags, with 71% admitting to this, compared to 30% of Boomers and 49% of Gen X. Further findings from Surviving Economic Abuse show that young women are disproportionately affected with almost two fifths of 18–24-year-olds experiencing at least one form of economically abusive behaviour in the last year. Data shows that those 18-24-year-olds who experienced economic abuse last year did not seek help due to feeling overwhelmed (43%) or being in denial (46%).
Of the young Brits who were surveyed, a staggering 91% believed they were mostly a good judge of character when it comes to dating, yet 63% admitted they’re not entirely confident in their ability to identify a financial red flag in a partner. The most overlooked red flag by this generation was never contributing to a date night (31%), which can seem harmless, but potentially lead to worse behaviours if left unchecked.
To address these issues, Experian is launching the second series of their podcast ‘The Cost of Loving’, hosted by Anna Williamson. The podcast will feature guests such as women’s safety advocate and TV personality Sharon Gaffka, Love Island couple Jessie Wynter and Will Young, and financial expert Rotimi Merriman-Johnson (@mrmoneyjar). They will discuss financial red flags, how to spot them, and the broader impact of financial compatibility on relationships. Anna will also share the green flags people should be looking for in partners when it comes to finances.
The podcast aims to help make those difficult conversations a little easier, as over half of Brits (54%) admit to having found it difficult to discuss finances with their partner, despite 80% acknowledging they are financially interdependent. The vast majority of Brits say that they seek financial independence (91%) even in a stable and happy relationship.
John Webb, Consumer Expert at Experian UK&I says: “Financial red flags are not always obvious, which is why it’s important to have honest conversations with your partner to make sure you’re on the same page. Being aware of the warning signs is key, and the earlier you can spot and tackle any troubling patterns, the earlier you can take action. We want to help couples create good financial habits, while still maintaining a healthy relationship and working towards shared financial goals.”
Sam Smethers, Interim CEO of Surviving Economic Abuse, said: “It’s great to see Experian raising awareness of economic abuse by highlighting the financial red flags to look out for in a partner. Economic abuse is a devastating yet often overlooked form of domestic abuse when a current or ex-partner controls your money and can be difficult to spot the signs. What might at first seem caring or protective can very quickly become controlling and coercive.
Experian’s campaign will help more people spot the signs of economic abuse and know how to get the support they need. By better understanding the financial red and green flags, we can start to learn more about what behaviour is unacceptable from a partner and how to equitably manage money in a relationship.”
Anna Williamson says “Dating and maintaining relationships, especially in today’s world full of trials and tribulations can be really daunting. But nobody should have to experience financial, or any kind of abuse. That’s why it’s important to be aware of what this can entail.
With the help of Experian and SEA we want to help make people aware of the signs to look out for and put an end to toxic behaviour. Being financially in-sync is just as important as every other part of a relationship: just one piece of the puzzle to a happy and just as importantly, healthy relationship.”
The Cost of Loving podcast will be available now on Spotify, Apple and all major streaming platforms. For more information and support on how to improve financial health, head to https://www.experian.co.uk/.
If you are worried you might be experiencing economic abuse or a family member or friend might be, visit the Surviving Economic Abuse website for further information on accessing support: https://survivingeconomicabuse.org/i-need-help/
ENDS
Notes to Editors
About Economic Abuse
Economic abuse is a form of domestic abuse where a current or ex-partner controls someone’s money and the things that money can buy (i.e. phone, employment, housing, clothes). Women overwhelmingly experience economic abuse with 4.1 million UK women having experienced it from a current or former partner in the last 12 months. Young women are disproportionately affected with almost two fifths of 18–24-year-olds experiencing at least one form of economically abusive behaviour in the last year.
According to the findings, the top 10 red flags Brits have experienced are:
Media contact:
Eliza Odire-Boadi, Consumer PR Manager, Experian UK&I
Tel: 07816192572 / Email: eliza.odire-boadi@experian.com
Joseph Polamalu, Account Manager, Mischief PR
Tel: 07832892825 / Email: Joseph.polamalu@mischiefpr.com
About Experian
Experian is a global data and technology company, powering opportunities for people and businesses around the world. We help to redefine lending practices, uncover and prevent fraud, simplify healthcare, deliver digital marketing solutions, and gain deeper insights into the automotive market, all using our unique combination of data, analytics and software. We also assist millions of people to realise their financial goals and help them save time and money.
We operate across a range of markets, from financial services to healthcare, automotive, agribusiness, insurance, and many more industry segments.
We invest in talented people and new advanced technologies to unlock the power of data and innovate. As a FTSE 100 Index company listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN), we have a team of 22,500 people across 32 countries. Our corporate headquarters are in Dublin, Ireland. Learn more at www.experianplc.com.