Some 28 per cent of UK savers are keeping financial matters a secret from loved ones by hiding a total of £92bn worth of savings, with the average secret savings account containing £8,717, according to research from Post Office Savings.
Two in five (41 per cent) secret savers are hiding their savings from their partners. Those who are married (27 per cent) are much more likely to keep their savings concealed from their spouse than those co-habiting or in a more casual relationship (14 per cent).
The survey suggests 'savings silence' causes tension for 13 per cent of people and for 16 per cent of married couples this has caused a break-up.
The research reveals many savers keep quiet because they are concerned revealing details might have unintended implications.
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One in six (16 per cent) secret savers fear others will ask to borrow money, and a further 15 per cent worry if they lend money they won't get it back.
Half (50 per cent) keep quiet because they believe their finances are a private matter which should not be discussed, and 13 per cent don't want to make their non-saving friends and family feel uncomfortable.
Henk Van Hulle, head of savings and investments at Post Office, said: "Many believe there is still something fundamentally embarrassing about discussing personal finances, but a fair few are worried about the implications of revealing details.
"Some worry they won't get the money back if they lend to family and friends, indicating people may be concerned about the possible tensions caused by unpaid debts."
The research also investigates how and why people save, revealing an encouraging 29 per cent are 'savvy savers', choosing to put money away each month in order to achieve a specific goal. However, just under one in five (19 per cent) admit to being 'big dippers', frequently making withdrawals from their savings account.
Just over two in five (43 per cent) who dip into their savings rely on their savings to pay for everyday expenses such as the supermarket shop and household bills.