Two hearts as one - couples financial balancing acts

New research* from investment, protection, retirement and in-house advice specialist, LV= reveals how couples across the UK really manage their money behind closed doors, and why avoiding honest financial conversations could store up problems for the future.

The findings, unveiled in LV’s latest Wealth and Wellbeing research, show that while many couples aim to share financial decisions fairly, income, family set ups and long term planning can often tell a very different story.

Nearly half of UK adults (47%) say responsibility for long-term financial decisions is shared equally with their partner. Women are more likely than men to say decisions are balanced (53% vs 41%).

However, income appears to tilt this balance. Among those earning £100,000 or more, almost half (47%) say they personally carry most of the financial responsibility, compared with a third (33%) of people earning between £25,000 and £99,000.

Family life also shapes money habits. Adults without children are more than twice as likely to keep their finances separate, compared to parents with children under 18 (22% vs 9%), suggesting greater financial interdependence once children enter the picture.

Despite this, planning together isn’t always occurring. Nearly one in five people (18%) expect to rely on their partner’s pension in retirement and fewer than one in ten (6%) say their partner mostly manages their shared finances.

These mismatches in responsibility and expectation could leave couples exposed later in life, particularly when it comes to retirement income, protecting against unexpected events, or coping if circumstances change.

Sarah Hills, LV= Wealth Expert, said: 

“Money is still one of the hardest topics for couples to talk about honestly, yet it’s one of the most important. 

“While equality is a goal for many, income and family circumstances often shape outcomes. Planning together, and having a clear understanding of each other’s expectations, is essential for long-term financial wellbeing.

“Without tailored financial advice, some couples could face serious consequences, from insufficient retirement funds to unexpected liabilities. Professional guidance helps ensure decisions are informed, fair, and resilient to life’s changes.”