And finally… Scots are anxious about their money manners

A study carried out by money sharing app Pingit reveals that we consider the biggest money mistake to be ‘taking too long to pay someone back’ (46 per cent), however, on average, each adult is owed £74 by their friends and family.

Other frowned upon cash clangers include not paying a fair share of the bill (43 per cent) and bragging about salaries (40 per cent).

What’s more, our money mistakes could lead to ruined relationships. (14 per cent) of people from Scotland have rejected a second date because their potential love interest failed to pay or offer to pay on the first date whilst (7 per cent) have left a date early to avoid paying the bill. 15 per cent  have also lost a friend because of arguments about money.

The research results also cast doubt on the country’s love affair with decadent displays of wealth on social media. Instead of admiring people with lavish lifestyles displayed in this way, (28 per cent) of those surveyed are just annoyed by it.

The research shone a light on just how worried people are about committing a financial faux pas: over 53 per cent would rather ask others their age than their income. Nearly as many people (44 per cent) prefer to overpay our share of a bill than risk looking ‘cheap’ and (24 per cent) are more inclined to reveal our weight instead of our salary.

However, the concerns about making a cash clanger are not unfounded, as (12 per cent) of us admit to committing a financial faux pas. Almost two thirds  (60 per cent) of those whose manners failed them when it came to money felt either guilt or embarrassment and, when asked why, nearly a quarter (22 per cent) said it was because they pride themselves on being polite.

To help alleviate the awkward moments, (10 per cent) would love a modern etiquette guide on money whilst a similar proportion (6 per cent) say having a ‘money mediator’ to help solve their financial feuds would lessen the aggression.

Pingit has now teamed up with etiquette expert Jo Bryant to help people navigate their way through these money minefields with their friends and family.

Etiquette and British manners expert, Jo Bryant, said: “Money can be a manners minefield, the best advice I can give is be as generous as you can, don’t show off and always be fair with friends and family when splitting bills for meals or holidays. Apps like Pingit are great ways of avoiding difficult conversations and ensuring everyone pays what they owe.”

The findings were released by Pingit, an app that facilitates easy peer-to-peer payments with just a mobile number. With features such as bill-splitting for 20 people, it’s one example of the technology that (10 per cent) of us wish for to help remove some tensions around the touchy topic of money.

Darren Foulds, managing director of Pingit, said: “The research shows that talking about money can still be a taboo subject among friends – with people losing mates and dates because of it. What’s more, with 40 per cent of people in Scotland worrying about committing a financial faux pas, it’s obvious that people are calling out for guidance on discussing money in social situations. With apps like Pingit, offering simple and easy ways to split the bill, we can spend less time worrying and more time enjoying.”