A study carried out by cahoot indicates that problems in handling finances are one of the top ten reasons for why relationships fail. For those between the ages of 35 and 44 it is the third most popular cause accounting for 12 per cent of respondents' grounds for calling off a partnership. This comes behind only "falling out of love" and infidelity which make up 21 and 17 per cent of responses by those surveyed. Overall, it was claimed that fiscal matters have been the cause for 2.2 million Britons' last break-ups.

For those consumers who are single more than one in ten (11 per cent) view being financially secure as an attractive quality. Additionally, the firm indicated that a healthy bank balance in potential partners becomes more important for Britons as they get older. Some 15 per cent of people between the ages of 55 and 64 want someone with a respectable amount of money in their account, compared to just seven per cent of 35 to 44-year-olds.

People wishing to get to grips with their finances, however, could find a cheap loan may prove to be of assistance.

Matthew Timms, director of cahoot, said: "Financial incompatibility is relatively common, with money causing over two million of us to end our last relationship. So while you don't want a new partner to think that you are attracted to them solely because of their bank balance - and it is hardly the most romantic Valentine's Day subject - it is worth talking about your attitudes to cash early on in the relationship as it can avoid problems later on."

The study also indicated that Scottish residents are most likely to learn from their mistakes. Just under one in ten (nine per cent) people from the country have seen a relationship fall apart as a result of money management problems. However, they are now most likely to want any future partners to have a healthy bank balance. Research from the internet bank revealed that those living in Wales and the south of England are the least likely to be seeking a wealthy partner with only nine per cent of people from these regions wanting such a person. Just eight per cent of consumers from the north indicated that they were looking for a wealthy significant other.

Whether or not it may make them more attractive to the opposite sex, those looking to get to grips with their finances might wish to consider applying for a loan. In taking out a low-rate loan it is possible that consumers can meet a number of demands on their spending at once, fund home improvements or pay for a car or holiday of a lifetime. A loan may prove to be of particular assistance to people from East Anglia. Recently the Norwich and district branch of Citizens Advice claimed that the number of people it is advising on financial problems has increased by 65 per cent over the last 12 months. It was claimed seven per cent of people in Norfolk looking for such assistance owe more than 100,000 pounds through unsecured loans and credit cards.