Not enough couples are honest with each other about their spending habits or plans for their estate after their death, which is why it is important they have regular date nights to discuss their finances.
While lots of people might disclose personal information with their wills solicitor in Surrey, they struggle to be so open with their partner.
Indeed, Marks & Spencer Bank revealed that couples tend to avoid discussing money, as they are worried about how their loved one would respond. That is why as much as one quarter of couples do not discuss money at all.
That is why The Sun recommends scheduling regular evenings where you can discuss your spending habits, intentions for your will, and bill expenses with your other half, as this could help avoid filing for a divorce in the long-run.
Emma Kenny, psychologist, told the publication: “Here you can discuss any big purchases you may wish to make, or look at how you can cut back.”
As well as being honest about how much you spend, it is a good idea to keep records of your passwords and tell your partner where they are stored. If your spouse dies without letting you know, you could face many legal battles if you are unable to access their accounts.
It is also wise to talk about death, particularly for couples that are unmarried, as they will not receive anything if it is not written in a will.
Some people might decide to go down the slightly unromantic route of getting married to save this trouble – as spouses receive everything automatically. Being married also has tax advantages, such as not having to pay inheritance tax after death.
However, it is essential to be open about the subject, as, according to Co-op Funeralcare, 45 per cent of adults who have made funeral arrangements have not expressed these to their loved ones, because they feel uncomfortable talking about dying.