Nearly two in five (38%) couples believe that having different financial priorities causes problems in their relationship, according to a new report.

While over half (55%) of UK couples living together fully combine their finances, 15% find conversations about money with their partner ‘challenging and stressful’, according to the report from financial provider Aegon.

The survey found, however, that many couples were making use of joint bank accounts and discussing savings goals regularly.

Key findings from the survey of 2,000 adults:

• Over half of UK couples living together fully combine their finances (55%)
• 15% say that they find conversations about money with their partner ‘challenging and stressful’
• A further 15% admit to having different financial priorities to their partner. The majority say this does not affect their relationship (60%) but over a third say it causes problems (38%)

The research has been released to support the latest episode of Aegon’s brand new Money:Mindshift podcast, discussing the psychological and emotional side of managing finances as a couple.

To support the release of the latest episode, guest starring Emma Boardwell, founder of consultancy Emotional Finance, Aegon shared some insights into how couples across the country manage their shared money and financial wellbeing.

The new research found that over half of UK couples living together choose to integrate their finances, making use of joint bank accounts and actively discussing savings goals.

However, 15% of people living with their partner say that they find conversations about money with their other-half ‘challenging and stressful’.

Much of this challenge appears to arise from differences in priorities, with 15% of people saying their partner’s values are contrary to their own. Of these people, the majority say these differences don’t affect their relationship (60%), but over a third admit that it causes issues between them (38%).

Emma Boardwell, founder of consultancy firm Emotional Finance, said that financial advisers can help clients deal with arguments and differences around money.

She said: “Couples often approach money differently, and that can be a real source of tension. Arguments about money are often proxies for deeper issues like trust, control, security or power, which is why conversations can quickly get messy.

“That’s why I support financial professionals, as well as couples themselves – to help bring curiosity and understanding into these conversations. When advisers have the skills to facilitate conversations that include emotions as well as numbers, they can work with clients to explore their differences rather than ignore them.

"Financial decisions made from this piece of shared understanding are stronger, more flexible, and open up space for compromise and creative solutions to grow.”

Aegon launched the podcast to try help UK savers and investors talk about money with their families and friends.

• Opinium surveyed 2,000 UK adults between 16 and 20 May in support of Aegon’s Money Mindshift podcast.