How British couples manage their finances in relationships

Money is an important topic, but how much do we enjoy discussing it in our relationships? Are we openly addressing the “uncomfortable” conversations about bill-splitting? And when, if ever, is the right time to open a joint bank account?

Legal and general surveyed more than 2,000 adult relationship partners in the UK to find out their opinions on money matters.

Manage money

When it comes to managing finances, most respondents face challenges with their partner. The The top challenges were saving for future expenses (13%), managing different spending habits (11%) and managing debt and credit (10%).

Younger participants (18-24 year olds) were most likely (23%) to say that “saving for future expenses” was their biggest financial challenge in their relationship. In contrast, only 8% of those over 55 gave this answer.

Across the UK People in Wales are most likely to report that they have no problems with financial planning in their relationshipsat 37%. In contrast, respondents in Greater London are least likely to say the same, with just 17% reporting no challenges.

Distribution of expenses

With increasing financial pressure, many couples are choosing to pool their resources. 64% of couples have a joint bank account. Below, 30% put all their money together, while 33% only use a joint account for common expenses such as household bills.

Couples take different approaches to dividing financial obligations. In total, 42% of couples split their expenses evenly, 29% have one partner pay the majority of expenses, and 25% split costs proportionally to salary.

In Brighton, 55% of couples support a 50/50 split, while in Plymouth 35% say one partner covers most expenses. Younger couples (18-24) are more likely (55%) to split expenses evenly, compared to 36% of 45-54 year olds.

Discuss finances

An essential one 81% of respondents feel comfortable discussing financial matters with their partnerwith older respondents (55+) feeling most comfortable (86%).

Despite this, an Ipsos study from 2024 revealed one of four (24%) People say that income differences with their partner are a source of tension. Even when couples have these conversations, it’s not a pleasant experience for everyone.

When it comes to frequency, couples Discuss finances with your partner an average of nine times a month. The frequency varies by age group, depending on age Those aged 25 to 34 discuss finances the most, almost 12 times a monthas they aged Those aged 45 to 54 and those over 55 discuss finances about seven times a month.

The most common frequency is once a week (23%).followed by two to three days a week (17%) and once a month (15%).

Geographically, Greater London residents discuss finances most often, on average 11 times per monthwhile people in Northern Ireland discuss it the least, at seven times a month. Overall, most Brits are open to these conversations and take an active part in them.

Paula Llewellyn, CMO and Managing Director (Direct) at Legal and General Retail, comments:

“At Legal & General we support open discussions about personal finance. Although conversations about money can sometimes be challenging, our findings highlight the importance of open communication and understanding in relationships. Managing finances together not only strengthens partnerships, but also contributes to a safer and more harmonious future.”