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The Basics

9 financial signs of a cheating spouse

A checking account, an income tax return, a credit card bill or even an eBay listing can hold information that suggests someone is straying.

By Bankrate.com

Financial infidelity is bad, but it's even worse when it is used to engage in an extramarital affair.

Ruth Houston, the author of "Is He Cheating On You? 829 Telltale Signs," says the following nine behaviors may be indicators of a spouse's infidelity:

  • Credit card statements that reflect charges for flowers, jewelry or other gift items that the spouse did not receive.

  • Unauthorized or surprise withdrawals from joint bank accounts.

  • Deposit slips or bank statements that indicate the existence of a previously unknown checking or savings account in the wife's/husband's name only.

  • The liquidation of assets (stocks and bonds, stamp or coin collections, artwork, etc.) without a plausible explanation.

  • Misrepresentation of or failure to mention raises, bonuses or overtime pay.

  • Income tax returns that reveal unexplained or previously unknown travel-related deductions.

  • Financial records (canceled checks, receipts, money orders or other documents) that indicate a spouse has been paying someone else's bills.

  • A sudden decrease in disposable income.

  • An increase in ATM withdrawals.

This article was reported and written by Jay MacDonald for Bankrate.com.

Published Feb. 26, 2008

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