Brits hide £4.6bn from their partners in secret savings stashes

Fifteen per cent of Britons over the age of 40 and living with their partner choose to keep some or all of their savings hidden from their spouse or partner, according to the latest research from Prudential which examines couples' attitudes to financial planning.

The survey, which was conducted among savers over the age of 40 and living with a partner, found that Britons admitted to concealing savings or investments worth an average of £1,037 from their spouse or partner. This could mean that 4.5 million Britons are entering retirement with secret savings worth £4.6 billion.

A quarter (23 per cent) of those with a private stash of savings and investments admit this is a security measure, in case they should split up with their partner. One in 10 keep secret funds because they do not trust their partner's financial decision making.

Women are more likely to keep their funds hidden from their partner, with 18 per cent admitting to hiding savings averaging £1,002. This compares with 12 per cent of men, who conceal an average fund of £1,072.

A prudent two in five (42 per cent) secret savers plan to use the money to supplement their retirement income - even though 20 per cent of those surveyed admit to never having discussed financial planning for retirement with their spouse or partner.

Vince Smith-Hughes, head of business development at Prudential, said: "By harbouring secret stashes of money, many couples are failing to plan sufficiently for their joint retirement. While it is understandable that some people in relationships want to be able to spend their own money, it is important for couples to have regular and open discussions about financial planning for the sake of maximising their retirement incomes. Only then can they decide how to make the best possible joint provision for the future.

"Consulting a financial adviser together is an important part of this on-going dialogue and can help couples to secure the income and lifestyle they expect in retirement."

Prudential's survey also found that nearly a fifth (17 per cent) of Britons feel uncomfortable about discussing financial matters with their partner. While two thirds (67 per cent) of couples say they have not received professional financial advice together in the past five years, one in 10 people claim that either they or their partner has independently visited an adviser within the past five years.