It’s Free Love as Couples try to Save Money

The recession is hitting hard we know but what is perhaps surprising is it is hitting love as research shows bailing out one’s partner or spouse is the most resented expenditure among the nation’s adults.

The research, by Confused.com, has revealed that love could be one of the biggest losers of the recession as.

Whether it’s picking up the tab for your partner at a restaurant, covering their cost of a taxi, it seems couples up and down the country hate putting their hand into their pocket to help out their other half.

To add salt to the love wound, people’s own wedding costs, such as hiring a venue and even paying for the bride’s dress, came in second place in the study.

Next in the list of life’s most hated expenses was other people’s wedding gifts.

Interestingly the fourth most resented expense in the poll being contraception.

For many Brits, having to fork out on common expenses such as utility bills (7^th), car insurance (9th) and dentistry (10^th) is less of a resent than helping out their loved one.

Other resented expenses that appear further down the list than spending out on a spouse or partner, include contributing to a work colleague’s birthday collection, paying a compulsory charge for shopping bags in some UK supermarkets, buying petrol and being charged road bridge tolls.

Nerys Lewis, money expert at Confused.com, said: “Forget for richer for poorer. It seems when times are tight many Brits are simply saying “I don’t” when it comes to bailing out their better half.

“However, while it seems like romance could be in recession, many adults could be realising that love doesn’t have to cost a thing – instead choosing to romance their partner for free with a good old fashioned stroll in the park, for example, or cooking a meal rather than eating out.

“What’s more, we feel many people are simply getting smarter about how they spend their cash making traditional money gripes such as car insurance and utility bills less of a bother as people shop around to get the best deals.”

MoneyHighStreet comments: “Some interesting results. Real shame though that people are having to resort to curtailing their spend on the partners or spouses.

“That said, isn’t showing your love not just about spending money? Maybe it’s an opportunity to be more creative in showing your love. As a wife and mother I for one really appreciate little shows of love – even a cup of tea in bed wins some good brownie points!!

“For many, it’s looking for opportunities to save money on all the family expenses at the moment.

“School summer holidays can be expensive too. There are ways thought to save money even during this time. For example how about a trip to a local beach or park, complete with picnic. With the rather dour British weather at the moment maybe another option is a trip to a museum, many are free.

“Ultimately though, remember you can have fun, can show your love, without having to spend a fortune.”