• February 11, 2011

Younger people might be more passionate when it comes to love (or is it lust?), but they are also more prone to secrecy, subterfuge and general duplicity when it comes to money-related issues around activities like Valentine's Day purchases. They are also more combative with their partners when it comes to household money.

Data from Americanexpress.com and MoneyBundle.com, organized by Deals.com, suggests that 41% of Gen Y consumers -- those born between 1981 and 1991 -- hide purchases, versus 31% of boomers; 45% of Gen Y represent what they paid, versus 24% of boomers; and 59% of Gen Y consumers buy something their partners don't agree with, versus 45% of boomers. In addition, 17% of younger consumers are not forthcoming about their credit score versus 7% of boomers.

The data also shows that 20% of all couples over the age of 18 keep some or all of their debt separate from their spouse, versus 43% among young professionals.

One source of household strife is household finances, particularly among young professionals. That may have more to do with money than age. The study found that 72% of people under 30 with a household income $50,000 or more have arguments about money versus 44% of people with household incomes over $100,000.