V-Day increasingly turning 'Break Up Day' Down Under

Melbourne, Feb 12 (ANI): More couples break up around Valentine's Day than at any other time of the year, according to a new online survey conducted in Australia.

The research, conducted by financial services institution Bankwest, has shown that despite the volume of chocolates and flowers delivered on February 14, married couples most often part ways at this time of year.

Nearly 19 per cent of people who took part in the survey estimated once a marriage was over, it cost more than 100,000 dollars to begin a new life, reports News.com.au.

One in four married couples bought a house together, while one in three took out a joint loan to purchase items including television sets, fridges, sofas and cars, the survey found.

Nearly 50 percent lost friends, while 46 per cent said their social life improved as a result of splitting up.

"Our research showed nearly one in four people estimated it took longer than two years to get back on their feet financially after a split," Bankwest head of strategy and products Selina Duncalf said.

Duncalf said that people should get sound and independent advice on managing their finances after a separation.

Respondents included 470 Australians who had split from a relationship in the past five years. (ANI)