Don't let the credit crunch ruin your relationship

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If the memory of a happy Christmas is only being kept alive by the bills you now have to pay – and the rows you’re having with your partner about overspending – then you’re not alone.

More than a million British couples have separated because of disagreements over cash, according to research by CreditExpert, the UK’s leading online credit monitoring service.

Meanwhile, Relate reports a rise of almost 60 per cent in the number of couples asking for counselling in October and November 2008, compared to the previous year, citing job insecurity, interest rates and the rising costs of running a family as their major problems. And things are set to get worse – 12 January is the day when you’re statistically most likely to break up.

But financial pressure doesn't have to ruin your relationship. These tips can help you to come through the winter doldrums.