And finally… for love or money – one in five believe hidden money woes are the biggest barrier to a relationship

The survey, which asked 18-35 year-olds in the UK about the importance of money matters in relationships, found that hiding money problems from a partner is a bigger long term relationship blocker (21 per cent) than a partner showing a lack of ambition (9 per cent), a different sense of humour (8 per cent), and different hobbies and interests (7 per cent).

However, it’s clear that money difficulties are not a defining feature in how 18-35 year-olds initially choose other halves. Just 4 per cent of young people found having debt the most off-putting trait in a potential romantic partner. What turns people off more is someone who does not earn their own money (17 per cent), different personalities (16 per cent) and a different sense of humour (15 per cent).

Once past the early stages of a relationship, most young people feel that a prospective partner’s financial clout is important before deciding to commit to the long term. Nearly two thirds (61 per cent) think it’s important to know how much debt a partner holds. 30 per cent would want to know how much in savings their partner has and 38 per cent want to know how much they get paid.

The most important factors before deciding to commit include general aspirations for the future (85 per cent), whether one person wants children (83 per cent) and a potential partner’s relationship with their family (66 per cent).

Despite this, nearly three in ten (28 per cent) would wait more than six months to bring up the topic of personal debt, and over a fifth (22 per cent)  would wait the same length of time before talking openly about their financial situation. In comparison, people are more eager to discover their partner’s opinion on pets with just 15 per cent waiting six months or more to have the discussion.

Unsurprisingly, money is not the most popular first date discussion, with just 2 per cent willing to bring up debt at this early stage. Travel plans (27 per cent), career goals and aspirations (39 per cent) and opinion on having a pet (23 per cent) are much more likely to crop up on a first date.

That’s why the Lloyds Bank’s M-word campaign, in partnership with Relate, the leading relationship support charity, continues to help support people with important money conversations. Insight from Relate suggests that many couples don’t talk about money early enough in their relationships, this ongoing campaign aims to make it easier for people to approach the topic with their other half.

Catherine Kehoe, Lloyds Bank brands director, said: “We want to inspire confidence in couples across the UK to talk openly and honestly about money. Our research shows that hiding financial problems is the biggest blocker to a successful relationship for over a fifth of young people. Having the conversation early is key, but we understand people find it difficult to broach the subject. As part of the M-word campaign, we are providing the tools to kick start the conversation, and help the whole of the UK talk about money.”

Lloyds Bank is also partnering with actor, comedian, and illustrator Jessie Cave. Jessie has created a series of animations showcasing six tips from Relate to support people with broaching the M-word.