Overview

• A Novuna Personal Finance poll shows that 27 million UK adults, or half of the population, have secret savings averaging £4,739, termed 'independence funds.'
• 39% of respondents admitted to concealing bonuses, while 42% have made major purchases without informing their partners.
• 33% of individuals confessed to indulging in secret splurges, spending money on personal treats without disclosure.
• Despite financial secrecy, 86% of people believe that financial honesty is essential for a healthy relationship, highlighting a tension between autonomy and trust.
• Generational trends show that 79% of Gen Z and Millennials have independence funds, with 67% of them also making large purchases in secret.