The page you were trying to view is not available for your role.
The hidden gap in many relationships
Many long-term couples share finances in some way, whether through a joint account, household bills or savings goals. But sharing finances doesn't always mean sharing financial responsibility.
Our research of 2,000 UK adults found that long-term financial planning is often left to one partner, even in committed relationships.
Nearly half of couples (46%) rely on one person to handle most long-term financial planning, while 13% have no shared financial accounts or products at all.
What does financial alignment look like?
You don't have to combine every account or agree on every spending decision to be financially aligned. Instead think about your finances as a team and discuss your future goals with each other, making sure both partners feel informed about important financial decisions.
Why does it matter?
When one person takes the lead on financial planning, the other can be left feeling less informed about key decisions. This can become a problem when circumstances change unexpectedly. Our research found that 17% of women would not feel confident managing their finances independently if their relationship ended, compared with 6% of men. Having both partners involved in financial planning can help build knowledge, confidence and resilience for the future.
The good news is that talking about money can lead to positive action. Our research found that people who discuss finances with their partner are more likely to take steps towards their goals and feel more confident about their financial future
Key findings from our research
- 13% have no shared financial accounts or products
- 46% rely on one person for long-term planning
- 35% took financial action after discussing money together
- 42% say managing money together strengthens their relationship
- 31% feel more confident investing after talking with their partner
“A financial plan isn’t just about the numbers. It’s a shared picture of what you want your life to look like, and how you’re going to get there together.”
Karen Doherty | Relationship therapist, star of Netflix’s Blue Therapy
How can you build a stronger financial partnership
Small conversations can make a big difference. Five ways to get started
- Make time to talk about money
- Discuss your future goals
- Review key finances together
- Identify any gaps in your plans
- Consider professional advice if needed
Ready to start the conversation?
Discover why talking about money matters and how to get started.
How financially aligned are you?
Take this quick quiz to see how financially aligned you and your partner are – and discover simple steps you could take together.
*Nationally representative research of 2,000 UK adults in a relationship for longer than three years, conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Quilter on 15th - 16th June 2026.
Approver Quilter Financial Services Ltd & Quilter Financial Ltd. July 2026.