Banking

The economic crisis is having an effect on British relationships with almost a third of couples admitting to arguing more this year, mainly about money and household chores, according to PayPal.

But it has also prompted one in five couples to talk more openly about their finances. This willingness to talk openly about money will almost certainly help the one in 10 couples who have seen the main breadwinner in their relationship change in the last twelve months.

Almost two-thirds of these couples have seen the main breadwinner change because one of them has either lost their job or had a pay cut, while over 39% have switched places following a new job, promotion or pay rise.

Carl Scheible, managing director of PayPal UK, said: As the recession becomes reality, British couples are facing new challenges within their relationships. Its good to see that difficult times are prompting us to talk about money, as its far easier to cope with financial worries when were open with each other about them.