Money is one of the biggest sources of stress in relationships.
In fact, recent research involving more than 2,000 UK couples has revealed that 76% of couples argue about money. From financial attitudes to habits and emotions around spending, saving, and communication, mismatched priorities can create tension and conflict.
Meanwhile, as part of its Talk Money Week initiative, the Money & Pensions Service said talking about money could lead to:
- Stronger personal relationships
- Better and less risky financial decisions
- Reduced stress or anxiety, and a greater sense of control.
So, this Valentine’s Day, whether over a candlelit meal for two, at the kitchen table, or while you’re enjoying a walk, choose a place or activity where you feel comfortable, and make time to talk.
3 financial factors that could jeopardise your relationship
If you’re looking to address issues before they arise – or you’re already arguing about money and want to resolve it – here are three factors that could cause a rift in your relationship.
1. Different spending habits
There are plenty of factors that contribute to a person’s spending habits. These might include:
- Whether they grew up with ample family money
- Their attitude to risk (more on this below!)
- The amount they earn
- The things they choose to prioritise
- Their financial security, for example, if they anticipate a large inheritance, own their home outright, or have a final-salary pension.
If you and your partner have different spending habits based on these or other factors, you may start arguing about money when costs rise.
Needing to keep close tabs on your spending – especially during the ongoing cost of living crisis – might mean your partner’s habits, which once didn’t bother you, now cause frustration, or vice versa.
2. Mismatched life goals
Often, financial disputes aren’t actually about money – they’re about what you want to do with it.
For instance, if you wish to help your children financially, pay off your mortgage as quickly as possible, and retire earlier than the average age, you might be highly motivated to save in a disciplined fashion.
On the other hand, if your partner prefers to take life as it comes and spend more freely on holidays and other luxuries, they may not see saving as a high priority.
While neither approach is “wrong”, mismatched life goals can lead to financial disputes.
Planning as a couple is all about aligning the life you want with the finances you’ll need to achieve it.
3. Contrasting attitudes to risk
If you are investing your wealth, looking for a new home, or even starting a business together, contrasting attitudes to risk can cause issues in your relationship.
One person may be comfortable with higher levels of market volatility or debt, which could lead to conflict over how much risk your combined finances are exposed to.
3 top tips for more constructive money conversations with your partner
With the above factors in mind, here are some healthy communication tips to help prevent conversations from turning into battles.
1. Schedule regular money dates
One of the biggest barriers to fruitful financial conversations is waiting until a crisis strikes or talking only when emotions are already running high.
Experts recommend scheduling regular money dates, creating time to discuss finances in a calm, planned way (ideally alongside something you both enjoy, like coffee, a meal, or a walk). This way, money conversations become part of your shared routine rather than a source of stress.
2. Keep conversations respectful, honest, and judgement-free
Discussions about finances can be sensitive and emotional, so how you talk about money is just as important as what you discuss.
To help keep emotions in check and discussions productive, approach conversations with respect, and try to avoid making sweeping generalisations or laying blame.
3. Invite a financial planner to join your conversation
Whether it’s life goals, saving strategies, helping the next generation, retirement planning, or any other financial factor you’re tackling together, we’re here to help.
Working with a financial planner can help you:
- Find solutions when you’ve reached a stalemate
- Discuss your financial habits with a seasoned expert
- Have conversations that focus on your long-term plans
- Answer any questions that have been worrying you as a couple.
Planning your finances as a couple could save you money
One particularly useful aspect of managing your money as a couple is that it allows you to make the most of tax incentives and allowances that you’re both entitled to.
Your annual ISA allowance
Each tax year, you have an individual ISA allowance. ISAs allow you to save money and take the proceeds free from Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax (CGT).
In the 2025/26 tax year, the ISA allowance is £20,000, so between you, you could tax-efficiently save and invest up to £40,000.
Capital Gains Tax
The current CGT Annual Exempt Amount is £3,000 (2025/26).
By putting investment holdings in joint names, you could take up to £6,000 worth of gains on shares and other non-ISA investments without having to pay CGT.
Pension contributions
The usual limit on tax-efficient pension contributions is either £60,000 gross, or 100% of your earnings – whichever is lower. Because you receive tax relief at your marginal rate of tax, it may make financial sense to maximise contributions for whichever of you is the higher earner.
However, someone not working can still contribute £2,880 into a pension each year, and the government will top this up with basic-rate tax relief to £3,600.
This can make a pension a very tax-efficient savings vehicle, especially as the Personal Allowance – £12,570 in the 2025/26 tax year – means that, subject to your financial situation, you won’t pay Income Tax up to that amount.
Get in touch
If you’d like to speak with a financial planner who can offer friendly advice, mediate tricky conversations, and create a financial plan that works for you both, we’d be delighted to hear from you.
Email contactme@kbafinancial.com or call us on 01942 889 883.
Please note
This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at individuals only.
All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.
HM Revenue and Customs’ practice and the law relating to taxation are complex and subject to individual circumstances and changes which cannot be foreseen.
An ISA is a medium to long term investment, which aims to increase the value of the money you invest for growth or income or both. The value of your investments and any income from them can fall as well as rise. You may not get back the amount you invested.
A pension is a long-term investment not normally accessible until 55 (57 from April 2028). The fund value may fluctuate and can go down, which would have an impact on the level of pension benefits available. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.
The tax implications of pension withdrawals will be based on your individual circumstances. Thresholds, percentage rates and tax legislation may change in subsequent Finance Acts.
KBA The Financial Planning Company is a trading style of KBA FS Limited which is an appointed representative of The Openwork Partnership, a trading style of Openwork Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Approved by The Openwork Partnership on 29/12/2025.