You may find it different to saving on your own. On one hand, you’ll have someone to help you stay accountable and your savings will hopefully grow faster. On the other hand you’ll need to have trust and potentially some ground rules established.
Here are some tips to get started.
Setting a goal can help you save money faster as it gives you something to aim for. Whether you need a certain amount for a home deposit, or you just want to top up an emergency fund, decide what you want to save for together.
It’s worth sitting down together and deciding how you’ll save.
Will you both add the same amount to your joint saver each month? Or, will you add a percentage of your income if one of you earns more money?
Think about when you want to reach your savings goal, too. Is there a specific deadline you need the money saved for? Our savings goal calculator could help you see how long it’ll take you to reach your target, which could help you work towards a more specific timeline.
Think about when you'll save too. It can be helpful to pay straight into your savings account when you get paid, then you don’t run the risk of accidentally spending the money.
Also, are there circumstances where you'll dip into your savings? If so, set yourself rules around this so you can avoid any arguments down the line.
Explore: How to talk about money
Opening a joint savings account gives you a place to keep your money. You may also be able to earn interest on your savings, to help your money grow. If you’re planning on saving the same amount each month, you can set up a standing order from your joint current account, or your individual bank accounts.
As savings accounts aren't reported to credit reference agencies, opening a joint savings account won’t show up on your credit history.
An Individual Savings Account (ISA) can only be held in one person’s name, so you can’t open a joint ISA.
Explore: Savings explained
If you’re married or in a civil partnership, you may be eligible for marriage allowance. This is where the lower earner can transfer 10% of their Personal Allowance to their partner. This increases their partner’s Personal Allowance – reducing their income tax by up to £252 each tax year.
To be eligible, one of you will need to earn less than the Personal Allowance limit and the other will need to be paying the basic 20% rate limit. Different rates apply in Scotland.1
Keep in mind, the value of tax benefits depends on your individual circumstances and tax rules and rates may change in the future.
Regularly reviewing your progress against your goal will help you stay on track. You’ll be able to see how much more you need to reach your target and spot any issues.
If you think it'll help, set yourselves milestones along the way where you can celebrate the progress made. It can be something small such as, ‘When we reach £1,000, we’ll order a takeaway from our favourite restaurant'.
If things aren’t going to plan, take a look at your finances. You might find you’re overspending at the supermarket or there’s a bill you didn’t include in your initial budget. This can help you understand why you’re not saving as much as you’d like, and highlight any areas where you could make further changes.
Explore: Understanding your spending
