Cashpoint

Brits are hiding £13billion worth of personal debt from friends, families and even their partners. Research from GoCompare Money shows two in five adults have carried debt (excluding mortgages) into the new year, at an average £6,131.

Despite almost a third of us being concerned about the amount we owe, one in 10 admit to hiding the problem from loved ones. More worrying is that one in seven don’t know how they will repay their debt.

Georgie Frost, personal finance expert at GoCompare, said: “Hiding debt from a loved one should be a warning sign that you’re not managing it properly. The first step is to admit it to yourself and then to open up to others.”

Being honest with your partner about your finances is vital. If you’ve got debts it’s much better out in the open. If you can’t get things on track, get free debt help from your local Citizens Advice, or call StepChange Debt Charity on 0800 138 1111 or the National Debtline on 0808 808 4000.