The Pension Confident Podcast

E52: Is it worth getting married? With Mike Donkor, Philippa Dolan and Jasper Martens

The Pension Confident Podcast

Show Notes

For the first time ever, fewer than half of UK adults are married or in a civil partnership, yet the law hasn't caught up with how many of us now live together instead. So, legally and financially, is it still worth getting married? Join our host, Philippa Lamb, and our expert panel as they discuss whether marriage still pays off financially and legally, and what unmarried couples need to put in place instead: Financial Planner, Mike Donkor; Solicitor and Partner at Collyer Bristow, Philippa Dolan; and Chief Marketing Officer at PensionBee, Jasper Martens.

Episode breakdown 01:18 Why marriage rates are falling 05:44 The financial perks of marriage 09:04 When unmarried couples split 12:41 Avoiding the money conversation 16:20 How are pensions shared 19:28 Who gets the pets? 21:15 Protecting your partner with a will 24:22 Cohabitation Agreements and annual reviews 28:48 A fairer end to relationships

Further reading and listening To learn more about managing money in a couple, check out these articles and podcasts from PensionBee: Episode transcript (Blog) E14: What's the impact of your relationship status on your finances? (Podcast) E35: The cost of divorce (Podcast) How does divorce or remarrying affect your pension? (Article) Pension beneficiaries (Article) Six money conversations you need to have with your family (Blog) Why pensions deserve your attention during divorce (Blog) Writing a will (Article)

Other useful resources A fairer end to relationships: consultation (GOV.UK) Capital Gains Tax allowances (GOV.UK) Cohabitation Agreement guidance (The Law Society) Families and households in the UK (Office for National Statistics) Inheritance Tax (GOV.UK) Marriage Allowance (GOV.UK)

Catch up on the latest news, read our transcripts or watch on YouTube: The Pension Confident Podcast The Pension Confident Podcast on YouTube Follow PensionBee (@PensionBee) on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Threads. Follow Collyer Bristow (@Collyer_Bristow) on YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook and X. Follow Mike Donkor (@michaelgdonkor) on TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Enjoying the podcast? Tell us what you think below and give us a review or rating. As always we'd love to hear your suggestions and feedback. Send us an email: [email protected].

More from The Pension Confident Podcast

Oct 15, 2026

In this bonus episode, we hear from PensionBee customer Jonathan as he shares his pension story. From the trusty spreadsheet he started with his wife 24 years ago, to now being on track to be mortgage-free in two years - before they hit age 50. We unpack Jonathan's financial journey with pensions expert Dan Stean from PensionBee, covering: what overpaying a mortgage means and why you should check for Early Repayment Charges (ERCs) first; how to weigh mortgage overpayments against pension contributions and how calculators can help; and why planning your finances together as a couple can help, married or not.

Oct 5, 2026

If you had some spare cash each month, where would you spend it? Overpaying your mortgage or giving your pension savings a boost? Join our host, Philippa Lamb, and Maike Currie, VP Personal Finance at PensionBee, as they discuss the benefits and considerations of making extra payments on your mortgage vs. topping up your pension pot.

Sep 27, 2026

Do you know what your money is invested in? And do you feel confident you're making the right choices? Some of us are investing in the 'default' plan, whether that's through a Stocks and Shares ISA or a workplace pension. Others are dabbling in crypto or gold. And many of us aren't even investing at all, preferring the safety of keeping cash tucked away in a savings account. Join our host, Philippa Lamb, and our expert panel as they discuss investing fundamentals: Content Creator 'That Money Guy', Gabriel Nussbaum; Founder and CEO of rainchq, Davinia Tomlinson; and Senior Investment Content Manager at PensionBee, Matt Batsman.

Sep 17, 2026

In this bonus episode, we hear from PensionBee customer Joumana as she shares her pension story. From moving to the UK from Lebanon 13 years ago with no idea a personal pension was even an option, to buying back missing National Insurance years and picking an investment plan that matches her appetite for risk as a freelancer. We unpack Joumana's pension journey with pensions expert Dani Skerrett from PensionBee, covering: why the self-employed pension gap exists, and how flexible contributions can help; how to check and fill gaps in your National Insurance record; how your pension is protected by the FSCS; and the Retirement Living Standards, and what they mean for your own retirement goal.

Sep 7, 2026

With the kids back at school, is now the time to start saving or investing for their future? Join our host, Philippa Lamb, and Maike Currie, VP Personal Finance at PensionBee, as they break down the key differences between a Junior ISA and a Junior SIPP, how each is taxed, and which one might be right for your family.

See all episodes →