Money problems can harm any relationship — even good ones. Sometimes, the way you or your partner handles money can reveal bigger issues, like not trusting each other, a lack of clear communication or even having different . If you spot these red flags early, you can fix them.

Talking about money openly can help you and your partner work better together in every part of your life. You’ll get better at dealing with money and also strengthen your relationship. GOBankingRates spoke with forensic accountants to find out what the red flags are in couples’ finances — and how to navigate them.

Earning passive income doesn't need to be difficult. Financial transparency is a cornerstone of trust in any relationship. When one partner maintains a secret personal account, it can raise serious concerns about their commitment to financial honesty.

This hidden account might be used to conceal spending habits, save money without their partner’s knowledge or even prepare for a potential separation. “Although I advocate for a couple to have separate accounts as well as a joint account, a red flag would be for a spouse to have a personal account that the other spouse was unaware of,” said forensic accountant and business valuation expert Mark S. Gottlieb, CPA, with .

“This lack of transparency is a big red flag.” At a minimum, a secret account suggests that one spouse feels the need to maintain financial independence or is unwilling to fully commit to shared financial goals. I.