More than 50 per cent of people in a relationship have savings that they keep secret

More than 50 per cent of people in relationships have hidden funds. Photo / Getty Images

More than half of people in a relationship have savings they keep strictly for themselves, research reveals.

One in six of this group go as far as keeping this money secret from their other halves.

Women are most likely to have savings dubbed "runaway funds" by financial experts, stashing away an average of £6,325 (NZ$12,734). Men who build up a secret pot typically hide away more at £8,333 (NZ$16,777).

More than half of women wanted their own reserves to give them independence but almost a quarter keep it secret as they do not trust their partner.

The top reason given by men for having hidden savings was to cover them in case their relationship breaks down, the survey by investment firm AJ Bell found. A third of men said they needed secret funds in case they left their job.

Leading divorce lawyer Ayesha Vardag suggested that women are far more likely to be motivated by financial insecurity.

She said: "Husbands might have their tax-efficient trusts and secret investments, wives tend instead to secrete small amounts into a rainy day fund.

"Many women who do otherwise trust their partners need the assurance of their own secret pot."

Younger people in relationships are more likely to have separate savings with 65 per cent of 25 to 34-year-olds opting for their own accounts compared to 45 per cent of the over-55s.

Financial experts recommend that both genders have a "runaway fund" to ensure they are financially independent, especially as more couples live together without marrying. Maike Curry, director of investment firm Fidelity, said: "It's not just about women – everyone should have a fall back or runaway fund.

"Having such a fund doesn't mean you want to run away from your partner but it does mean you have the savings to leave a failing relationship, a bad job or even a controlling parent. It's about choices."