- 40% of people are keeping secrets from loved ones about credit cards, loans and savings
- People are most likely to keep money secrets from their partner
- Millennials (25-34 year-olds) most secretive generation, with three in five (59%) hiding money products
UK adults have kept at least 21 million2 financial products secret from their loved ones, according to a new study of people’s financial behaviours from the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) to mark Talk Money Week.
Of those who have kept financial products a secret, the most common were hidden credit cards (37%), undisclosed personal loans (23%) and secret savings accounts (21%).
Despite Covid-19 having a widespread impact on people’s finances, the stigma surrounding talking about money in British culture remains – 38% stay silent about money worries, with some of the reasons they give including embarrassment or fear of being judged.
The research, which surveyed over 5,200 people across the UK, has been launched to mark the start of Talk Money Week (9-13 November), a public awareness campaign run by MaPS to improve financial wellbeing by encouraging people to open up about their finances, from pocket money through to pensions.
Millennials proved to be the most secretive generation, with 59% disclosing they have secret financial products, compared to just 26% of retirees (65+). Of 25-34-year-olds who’d kept a product secret, credit cards, personal loans and overdrafts were most commonly hidden (by 40%, 31% and 23% respectively).
The Talk Money Week study revealed that people in relationships tend to underestimate the extent of money secrets their partner keeps from them. While 23% of people in relationships suspect their spouse has kept a money secret, hidden products were found to be even more common, with nearly half of those in relationships (45%) admitting to having an undisclosed money product.
Some respondents told the researchers about secrets that became easier manage once they opened up to their partners: one respondent claimed, “I was once close to bankruptcy due to credit cards and loans which I did not reveal to my partner until it couldn’t be hidden any longer. I admitted the issues eventually and we sorted it.”
Another respondent said, “I didn’t tell my husband when I lost control of our credit card debt and ended up juggling cards and minimum payments. Eventually I admitted it to him and actually acknowledged the amount of debt I now had – he supported me to get onto a Debt Payment Plan which I have been paying for just over a year now, and we are far more financially stable. We made a choice as a couple to no longer use credit. We also now have a joint account as our main account and only our agreed personal budget for minor expenses which is transferred out to our personal accounts.”
The research also suggests that people in relationships across the UK have significant knowledge gaps when it comes to their partner’s financial situation. Almost a third (30%) said their partner does not know how much their annual income is approximately.
Sarah Porretta, Strategy and Insights Director at the Money and Pensions Service said:
“We know there are numerous reasons why people keep money secrets from those closest to them; a secret savings account could act as a buffer for those who want to escape a difficult relationship; an unpaid bill could be kept under wraps in order to protect anxious family members. For many who keep money secrets, it can be a feeling of shame or embarrassment that debts have spiralled out of control.
“Yet we also know that many people will be struggling with money worries due to the financial impact of Covid-19, so if you feel this is getting on top of you, having a conversation with someone – a friend, family member or expert – can bring a different perspective and allow you to feel more in control as a result. Opening up is a valuable start to making problems more manageable, for the benefit of our health, relationships and overall wellbeing.
“If you need to strike up a conversation, use Talk Money Week – there’s never been a more important time to start talking than today and our online Talk Money guides offer guidance to help start conversations and prepare yourself ahead of these. You are not alone and, as our research shows, there are many others harbouring secrets about money; there are resources available to help tackle some of these secrets including debt advice, as well as money and pensions guidance.”
Jasmine Birtles, TV money expert and Talk Money Week supporter, said:
“Talking about money is still off-limits for a lot of people in the UK. Although we’re happy to talk about all sorts of subjects that used to be off-limits, if you ask someone about their income or investments they clam up. Talking about money really does seem to be the last taboo, despite it being something which is on everyone’s mind. In fact, it’s especially helpful to talk about it now, given the impact the pandemic has had on many people’s finances.
“It’s particularly important when times are uncertain to talk about money with those closest to us, so we can work together towards a common goal and support each other’s progress. If that’s not an option, you can turn to organisations like the Money and Pensions Service, who have trained specialists who give free, non-judgemental and impartial guidance.”
MaPS has a wide range of resources to help people improve their financial wellbeing, starting with a conversation, during Talk Money Week and beyond.
Curious about which parts of the UK are most secretive when it comes to money? Check out our national and regional press releases here:
Guides to talking about money
For guidance on kick-starting conversations about money, see the Money Advice Service’s guides:
- Talking to your partner about money: https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/talking-to-your-partner-about-money
- How to talk about money: https://masassets.blob.core.windows.net/cms/files/000/001/092/original/Difficult_Conversations_-_Talking_about_money.pdf
Take action to work through your money worries
Money Navigator is a simple tool which helps people navigate their finances in the wake of Covid-19 to find a way forward, get money support now and help avoid future debt problems.
Getting expert support
To speak to an impartial expert for free guidance about your money and pensions, visit the following websites and help lines.
www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk / 0800 138 7777
www.pensionsadvisoryservice.org.uk / 0800 011 3797
www.pensionwise.gov.uk/en / 0800 138 3944
If your partner is controlling your money or running up debts in your name, you can find further resources and support on the Money Advice Service website: https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/protecting-against-financial-abuse
-ENDS-
For media enquiries contact:
- MaPS Press Office 020 8132 5284 / media@maps.org.uk
- Mia Cochrane, senior press officer 020 8132 4937 / mia.cochrane@maps.org.uk
- Kindred Agency 020 70 10 0888/ moneyandpensions@kindredagency.com
Notes to editors
The research was conducted by Opinium for the Money and Pensions Service. A nationally representative survey of 5,225 UK adults aged 18+ was conducted from 9th-19th October 2020.
- There are over 52,673,433 million people over 18 (the age you can apply for credit) in the UK (ONS). The research found that 40% admit to keeping a financial product a secret from family and friends, equating to 21,069,373 people.
- There are over 52,673,433 million people over 18 (the age you can apply for credit) in the UK (ONS). Our research found that 40% admit to keeping a financial product a secret, equating to 21,069,373 financial products.
About Talk Money Week
Talk Money Week is an annual public awareness campaign, run by the Money and Pensions Service, to get the nation having conversations about money. Talking about finances has been shown to help people make better informed and less risky financial decisions, feel less stressed or anxious and more in control, have stronger personal relationships, and help their children form good lifetime money habits. Talk Money Week will take place from 9-13 November 2020.
Talk Money Week is also an annual opportunity to celebrate the work organisations are doing to support the UK Strategy for Financial Wellbeing, launched by MaPS in January 2020, which has ambitious ten-year goals to help everyone make the most of their money and pensions.
You can join the conversation on social media at #TalkMoney and find out more by visiting www.maps.org.uk/talk-money-week.
About the Money and Pensions Service
The Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) is here to ensure every person feels more in control of their finances throughout their lives: from pocket money to pensions. When they are, communities are healthier, businesses are more prosperous, the economy benefits and individuals feel better off. MaPS delivers free and impartial money and pensions guidance to the public through the Money Advice Service, The Pensions Advisory Service and Pension Wise.
MaPS is working to make sure the whole of the UK understands that financial, physical and mental health are all deeply connected. MaPS’ role is to connect organisations with the shared purpose of achieving the five goals set out in the UK Strategy for Financial Wellbeing.
MaPS supports innovation so that everyone can use the most effective methods to help people feel more in control of their money, targeted to those most in need and inclusive of people from all backgrounds. MaPS is an arm’s-length body sponsored by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
For further information visit www.maps.org.uk. Members of the public can get free guidance about their money and pensions via:
www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk / 0800 138 7777