One-in-four Britons haven’t disclosed retirement savings to their partner

 
A new, independent survey of 2,000 UK adults has found:
 

• One-in-four (27%) respondents in a long-term relationship revealed they have pensions, savings, or investments they have not disclosed to their partner.
• Around a quarter (23%) suspect their partner has hidden retirement savings from them.
• 37% of respondents expect to rely on their partner’s pensions or savings in retirement.

 
My Pension Expert, the UK’s leading at-retirement adviser commissioned an independent survey of 2,000 UK adults.

It found that over one-in-four (27%) respondents in a long-term relationship (spouses, civil partners, and those in a relationship and living together) revealed they have pensions, savings, or investments they have not disclosed to their partner.  Meanwhile, 23% suspect their partner of concealing retirement savings.

This comes as just under a third (29%) of couples in the UK say they argue with their partner about money and financial planning.

The survey also revealed that, when it comes to retirement planning as a couple, 37% of respondents expect to rely on their partner’s pensions or savings in retirement – a figure rising to 41% among women, compared to 32% of men.

Moreover, a third (32%) of respondents stated that they feel anxious that their partner is not contributing enough to their pension.

On a positive note, the majority (61%) regularly discuss finances with their partner, while 59% said that having a partner makes them feel more secure about their retirement prospects.
 
Lily Megson, Policy Director at My Pension Expert, said, “Money can be a sensitive topic, particularly within relationships, and our research highlights just how important clear and honest communication is when it comes to financial planning. Whether it’s discussing retirement goals or balancing immediate expenses, transparency and collaboration are key to reducing tension and building a secure financial future together.

“However, concerns over whether a partner is contributing enough to their pension or the reliance on partner’s retirement finances reflect a broader issue about retirement preparedness across the UK. It highlights how easy it is for individuals and couples alike to feel uncertain or unaligned when it comes to financial goals.

“This uncertainty speaks to a wider need for improved financial education and access to guidance. The government should seek to address these challenges and encourage further individual pension engagement across all demographics. This will empower individuals to plan more effectively but also help strengthen the financial security of households across the nation.”
 
About the research 
 
The market research was carried out between 15th and 19th November 2024 among 2,000 UK adults via an online survey by independent market research agency Opinium. Opinium is a member of the Market Research Society (MRS) Company Partner Service, whose code of conduct and quality commitment it strictly adheres to. Its MRS membership means that it adheres to strict guidelines regarding all phases of research, including research design and data collection; communicating with respondents; conducting fieldwork; analysis and reporting; data storage. The data sample of 1,593 UK adults is fully nationally representative, ensuring the respondents are weighted by age, gender, region, employment status and political views.