One in four live in ignorance about partner's salary

London, Oct 19 (IANS) Most individuals sharing a relationship usually claim to know each other very well. However, there are still many crucial things which remain unknown to them for a long time - their partner's financial condition being one of them.

One-fourth of people in relationships have no idea how much their partner earns while a fifth know -nothing at all about their other half's financial situation, a British study has found.

Nearly 20 percent keep quiet about money matters until they take a step towards commitment such as buying a property together, the Daily Express reported.

According to research by pensions giant Scottish Widows, 14 percent percent refuse to tell their partner what they earn until they have a child together.

Even 19 percent of married people or those living together keep their finances a secret.

A spokeswoman said: 'Money -matters can be a touchy subject. Some people are loath to tell their -partner how much they earn if they feel it may cause imbalances in their relationship.'

Londoners are the cagiest, with 31 percent not knowing their partner's salary. But in Yorkshire 81 percent are honest about finances, the study found.