Prudential discovered 4 in 5 couples couples aged 40 and over have been discussing their financial futures in the last year but over half have failed to turn this conversation into a solid plan.
The vast majority - 70 per cent - had never seen a financial adviser to discuss their retirement plans.
Only 20 per cent said that one or both of them has consulted a financial adviser in the last five years, and just nine per cent have had a joint meeting with their spouse and a professional adviser or retirement specialist.
The annual survey, analysing attitudes to money and retirement planning among co-habiting couples aged 40 and over, found 67 per cent of those aged 45 to 54 failed to put together a concrete plan.

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Overall, a quarter of couples said they had retirement funds that will only provide an income for life to an individual – rather than to their partners as well.
Prudential's research took place six months after the sweeping changes to pensions were announced in the Budget.
Three-quarters said they were aware of the changes, and 29 per cent of them discussed the implications with their partners.
Vince Smith-Hughes, retirement expert at Prudential, said: "The gulf between those who are aware of retirement issues and recently announced Budget changes, and those who discuss the implications openly with their other halves is alarming. "However, simply having conversations about money is not enough. Taking action always needs to be the next step.
"For many couples, the first step to agreeing and securing a target income in retirement should be seeking professional financial advice together."
Donna Dawson, psychologist and relationship expert, said: "Although money appears to be a straightforward black and white issue about numbers, it is actually a very complex and emotional subject. Money discussions can often lead to disagreements between couples – misunderstandings, sulky silences and angry rows.
"Once couples start to discuss their finances, they should stick with the discussion until they find a solution – calling in a financial adviser if necessary."