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Are couples talking enough about money?
Talking about money can help couples make better financial decisions together. It can make it easier to plan for the future, understand each other's priorities, and stay involved in important financial decisions. Yet our research* suggests many couples still leave long-term planning to one partner, with 46% relying on one person to handle most long-term financial planning.
Why don't some couples talk about money?
Money can be a difficult subject to discuss. For some people, it's a fear of disagreement. Others may feel uncomfortable talking about spending habits, debt, or long-term financial goals. Life can get in the way too. Between work, family commitments, and everyday responsibilities, financial conversations are often pushed to the bottom of the list.
But avoiding the conversation doesn't make financial decisions disappear. Whether you're saving for a home, planning for retirement, or managing day-to-day expenses, money plays a role in many of the decisions you make together.
The good news is that these discussions don't need to be complicated. Often, the first step is simply setting aside time to talk.
Why do financial conversations matter?
Financial conversations help couples understand where they stand today and where they want to go in the future.
Our research found that more than a third (35%) of people took a financial action after discussing money with their partner. That could mean increasing savings, reviewing investments, or taking another practical step towards a shared goal.
We also found that 42% of people said managing money together makes their relationship stronger. Talking openly about finances can help couples:
- Understand each other's priorities
- Identify gaps in their plans
- Make important decisions together
- Feel more informed about their financial future
Regular conversations can also reduce the risk of one partner becoming disconnected from important financial decisions.
How do you know it's time to talk about money?
You don't need to discuss finances every day. However, it may be worth setting aside some time if:
- One partner manages most financial decisions
- You haven't discussed your long-term goals recently
- You're planning a major life event, such as moving home, getting married, or starting a family
- One partner feels unclear about savings, pensions, or investments
- Financial responsibilities have changed
The aim isn't to agree on everything. It's to make sure both partners understand where they stand and what they're working towards.
How can couples start talking about money?
A good place to start is with goals rather than numbers. Instead of jumping straight into budgets, accounts, or pensions, focus on what you'd like your future to look like. A conversation about shared ambitions can often feel easier and more productive than discussing financial products. You could talk about:
- Your short- and long-term goals
- Current saving and investing habits
- Retirement plans
- Any financial concerns or priorities
- Practical changes you'd like to make in the future
You don't need to solve everything in one conversation. Building a shared understanding often happens through a series of smaller discussions over time.
If money conversations feel difficult or you find yourselves returning to the same disagreements, speaking with a financial adviser may help. A neutral third party can help both partners understand their options and focus on practical next steps. This is especially important given that our research found only 38% of people had sought financial advice together as a couple.
Money works best when it has a plan
Every couple manages money differently. Some combine everything, others keep finances separate, and many sit somewhere in between.
What matters most is understanding your financial situation, talking openly about your goals, and making sure both partners feel informed about the future.
You don't need to have all the answers immediately. The most important step is starting the conversation.
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*Source: Quilter Financially Single research. Research references and methodology to be added before publication.
Approver stamp to the base of the page: Approver Quilter Financial Services Ltd & Quilter Financial Ltd. July 2026.