Martin Lewis issues warning to every unmarried couple in the UK
Martin Lewis has issued a fresh warning to every couple in the United Kingdom that isn't married.
The plea to people who are together but have yet to tied the knot for whatever reason was made in Lewis' latest Money Saving Expert (MSE) newsletter that he sent out to subscribers on Tuesday night (8 October).
It comes as Lewis, 52, has also taken to social media to warn people about making costly car insurance mistakes, with the Mancunian left 'shocked by how many people' are not following the route he would be taking in their place.
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And with the colder months settling in for autumn and winter, Lewis' MSE team have also dished out the right advice when it comes to the age old question of is it cheaper to keep the heating on all day or only when you need it.
On the issue of not being married to your significant other, Lewis made the warning in relation to a section of his newsletter focusing on the rather morbid topic of dying and more specifically, those you leave behind.
In touching upon this issue, Lewis stressed the importance of getting yourself involved in the 'difficult conversation' that is making sure that what you leave goes to your loved ones.
Under UK law, you need a little bit more protection than just living with someone for a long time and being their life partner.
Lewis explains: "Unmarried couple? That often means diddly squat in law!
"Get a will, a contract, a civil partnership or tie the knot. So, you've been together decades and have a dozen children - in inheritance law, so what?
"If you're not married or don't have a formal civil partnership, your relationship usually has no status. So if your partner dies, the other one may not get the house. That makes a will even more important here."
Lewis said there are other advantages to marriage, too, with it keeping more money in your pocket.
He said: "There are also tax advantages to marriage, especially with inheritance tax and transferring assets from one to the other.
"It's also worth considering a cohabitation agreement, which spells out what happens if your relationship breaks down."
When it comes to wills, the finance expert has said those 55 and older can get a will drafted by a solicitor for free across all of October. The same scheme will also be available in March 2025.
For those younger than this, November will be Will Aid month and is open to all adults. If you use Will Aid, you'll be asked to make a suggested donation to charity for the will, starting at £100 for a single and £180 for a mirror will.
Donations are spread across seven charities: Age UK, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, NSPCC, Save the Children, SCIAF and Trócaire.
"If you can't afford it, you can give less, but please don't game it," Lewis stresses.
"Will Aid is already open for bookings, which must be made by the end of November (but go sooner, as it books out), though the appointments can take place after that.
"Solicitors will often store your will in a safe place for free - if you're using one of these schemes, check if that's an option (you can also store it at home in a safe place)."
Topics: Martin Lewis, UK News, Sex and Relationships, Money
Tom Earnshaw