Londoners set aside £5K in ‘independence funds’ in case of a break-up, finds Novuna Personal Finance

New research from Novuna Personal Finance reveals that 60% of adults in London have an ‘independence fund’ – savings set aside to maintain financial independence or in case their relationship ends – with the average fund containing £5K.

The findings highlight that hidden financial behaviour is common among London couples: 45% say financially controlling behaviour is the biggest relationship red flag, highlighting growing sensitivity around money as living costs rise, while 37% of adults currently have a personal savings account their partner doesn’t know about – the highest proportion of any UK city.

Balancing secrecy and security

Yet, overall, financial compatibility is high among couples in London, with 85% saying they believe they are financially compatible with their partner. However, hidden financial behaviours remain common: more than a third (34%) have hidden details about their finances, and 33% have made a significant purchase without telling their partner in the past.

Secrecy stretches across nearly all areas of people’s finances, affecting everything from long-term savings to day-to-day spending. Among people who admit to keeping their financial details private:
52% hide their savings or investments
33% conceal their salary or bonuses
31% stay quiet about self-indulgent purchases

However, these behaviours may reflect financial insecurity rather than betrayal. On average, people in London estimate their savings would last just 5 months if their relationship were to end tomorrow.

What are the biggest relationship red flags?

Year on year, people in London are becoming more conscious of behaviours that could threaten their relationships, reflecting a growing awareness of the impact red flags can have. When asked what habits would make them reconsider a relationship:

45% say financial control or restricting a partner’s independence
39% say it’s requesting financial support early, up roughly 15% from last year
30% say refusing to discuss money openly, an increase from 27% last year

Theresa Lindsay, Chief Marketing Officer at Novuna Personal Finance, said:

“Almost two-thirds of Londoners now have what they describe as an ‘independence fund’, with just over £5,000 set aside on average. It shows that even in committed relationships, many people want a financial safety net of their own as living costs continue to put pressure on household finances.

“In the UK’s capital, where the cost of living can be particularly high, it’s understandable that people are trying to balance openness with protecting their own financial independence.”