Nearly two-thirds of couples in America are hiding purchases from each other as households struggle under the pressure of red hot inflation. Women are revealing that they’re going as far as hiding their designer shoes in their children’s toy boxes, sneaking purchases through the back door, and washing their new clothing beforehand to make them seem worn. Designer and stylist Evan Elkowitz (pictured) talked about how she and her clients have mastered the art of concealing their spending habits. Elkowitz confessed that she hides her shopping bags behind furniture or in the laundry basket, waiting until her family is asleep to put them away. Her clients say they have left goods in the trunks of their cars or in the garage, with some even changing into a new pair of shoes in the car to avoid being questioned. Despite making her own money as a designer stylist, Elkowitz says she still feels embarrassed about how much she spends on clothes. Why the secrecy? Psychologist Cali Estes blames social media influencers who create pressure to buy, even if it strains the budget. Inflation, which is currently hovering at an annual rate of 3%, adds another layer of stress, making couples on tight budgets resort to hiding purchases to avoid fights. Estes says communication about finances is key to building trust and avoiding a snowball effect of secrecy. “Your spouse will say, ‘If you lie about buying shoes, what else are you lying about?’", said Estes. She recommends setting a budget, discussing it with your spouse, and staying within your preset limit.
