Over half of Londoners have ‘independence funds’ if their relationship ends
### Strictly Embargoed Until 00:01 on 04/02/2022 ### *** FREE FOR EDITORIAL USE *** Shelly and Oliver Ward try the foods available in the new ‘Mood Food’ aisle at Iceland, which has been launched ahead of Valentine’s Day and features the top ten foods that have been voted by Brits most likely to get them in the mood for love, which include ice cream, pizza and roast dinner. The aisle has been created following research by Iceland, which revealed that 6 in 10 people find traditional aphrodisiacs such as oysters are in fact a turn off for them, with 8 in 10 saying that comfort foods are more likely to affect their romantic feelings.
Love might be in the air, but so is caution. According to new research from Novuna Personal Finance, over half of Londoners (61%) admit to having an ‘independence fund’: a secret stash of savings set aside specifically in case their relationship breaks down.
Percentage of people in UK cities with ‘independence funds’
London
61%
Glasgow
57%
Manchester
53%
Birmingham
53%
Edinburgh
48%
40% of Londoners are currently hiding entire savings accounts from their partners, revealing a quiet financial revolution where people want to be prepared for the worst.
Even though 90% of people from London say financial honesty is important in a relationships, they are still treading with caution when it comes to their finances. 46% confess they’re not telling the whole truth about money and over half (51%) have made major purchases in secret.
Biggest Financial Secrets
Among those keeping money matters hidden, the most common secrets include:
Hidden savings or investments (49%)
Concealed salaries or bonuses (39%)
Secret splurges on self-indulgent treats (33%)
Financial openness: The New Relationship Goal
Despite all the secrecy, it’s clear that couples want to be more financially honest and empowered.
89% of Londoners feel financially compatible with their partner, and the average UK couple talks money seven times a month.
And when it comes to big decisions, Londoners are becoming more financially self-aware:
45% would reconsider a relationship if their partner tried to control their finances
38% would say overspending is their number one red flag in a partner
45% would invest every penny of a surprise £10,000 – showing just how far financial discipline has come
Theresa Lindsay, Chief Marketing Officer at Novuna Personal Finance, commented:
“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.”
