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Topics: Martin Lewis, Money, Valentine's Day
Brenna Cooper
Couples who marked Valentine's Day by getting engaged or moving in together should listen up, as Martin Lewis has some stern advice for you.
The financial journalist and broadcaster is considered to be somewhat of an oracle when it comes to all things money saving, with the 52-year-old always looking out for ways in which we could be saving or stretching our money.
Whether that's ways to double your time off work, 'haggling' to get the best deals on mobile phone or TV contracts, or even tips on how to beat the family in a game of Monopoly.
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When it comes to affairs of the financial kind, whatever Lewis recommends is what we usually do.
And he has a piece of advice which is particularly applicable to those amongst us who are enjoying a romantic Valentine's weekend. Dishing out the advice on a romantic special of his The Martin Lewis Money Show on Thursday, February 13.
"All the benefits start the day you're married," Lewis explained, adding that marriage was 'absolutely' worth it in terms of financial benefits.
"None of these apply if you’re just living together," he continued.
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"I don’t care whether you’ve lived together for 20 years, it doesn’t make any difference, I don’t care if you’ve got kids, it doesn’t make any difference. This is about marriage and civil partnerships."
Lewis also urged couples in a long-term relationship who aren't interested in the idea of marriage to consider getting a civil partnership as it comes with the same 'legal and tax benefits'.
"No difference between the two, no difference at all," he added.
Lewis then went on to explain how marriage is fiscally beneficial from the get-go, revealing that couples could be eligible for a £1,260 marriage or civil partnership tax break (as long as you're under the age of 90). Couples can also maximise their savings and financial protection should the relationship fail.
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More importantly, being married is also critical should one partner pass away, as it allows the surviving spouse more protection.
Which isn't the most romantic of notions, but it's certainly something you need to consider.
"When marriage really counts is when you die," he explained.
The situation becomes even more complicated if an unmarried person dies without a will, as it could leave the surviving partner without access to inheritance or even their home.
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"Unmarried couple? That often means diddly squat in law," Lewis said of the topic back in October.
"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?
He continued: "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."