More than a third also didn’t tell their partners about bonuses
A surprising number of British households might be hiding some skeletons in their closet. A new poll has uncovered the staggering amount of people keeping financial secrets from their spouse.
From hidden bonuses to break-up preparations and overspending, the number of people quietly building their ‘just in case’ finances have been growing. In all, 27 million people, roughly half of UK adults, have an ‘independence fund’, according to research by Novuna Personal Finance.
This is a secret savings stash people have been putting money into throughout their relationship, planning to use it if their romance falls apart. On average, people are holding around £4,739 in this covert account.
While this seems like a jaw-dropping sum, breaking up isn’t cheap. Research from Experian in 2023 revealed the average break-up costs over £1,000, with the cost of splitting forcing some couples to stay together.
Aside from savings, the most common secrets lovers are keeping from each other include hidden salaries or bonuses, 39%; 33% also have secret splurges, spending cash on self-indulgent treats without telling their partner.
Theresa Lindsay, chief marketing officer at Novuna Personal Finance, said: “There’s a quiet shift happening in relationships today – financial independence is becoming just as important as emotional connection.
“While many couples are still working together to build their future, more people are also putting individual safeguards in place, just in case.
“The positive takeaway here is that Brits are becoming more financially empowered – but transparency and trust still matter. Open conversations about money are the foundation for any long-term relationship.”
It could be the sheer level of importance people are placing on finances when looking for and sticking to a partner that’s driving this money concern. 44% of people in the poll said they would completely reconsider their relationship if their partner tried to control their finances.
The average couple in the UK also talks about money around seven times a month, despite all the secrecy. And 89% reported feeling ‘financially compatible’ with their partner.
In all, 61% of Londoners said they have an independence fund, while 57% of Glaswegians and 53% of Mancunians do too. In Birmingham, 53% of people have this secret stash while Edinburgh is the first city to drop below the halfway mark at 48%.
However, 42% of people are doing more than saving secretly, they admitted to making major purchases without telling their partner. Despite these results, 86% of people also said financial honesty was vital for a healthy relationship.
The vast majority, around 79%, of Gen Z and Millennials have an independence fund and 67% have also made large purchases in secret. But there’s a hidden twist in these numbers, too.
More young adults have fully merged finances with their partner than over-55s have. The experts noted this suggests young lovers are more focused on financial teamwork than their parents, while still having their own autonomy.