Although it might seem difficult to choose a better bank or bank account, it is easier than it seems. Competition between banks forces them nowadays to be clearer about what they offer and what can be the advantages of their accounts. It's mainly about not being lazy: don't stick to your bank forever, keep your new responsibilities in clear focus, have a look around, do a bit of research and you will realise how easy it is to save money.

In fact, only 3% of singletons would choose to close their own account and share their finances with their future partner. Well over half (56%) say they would prefer to keep their options open in their next relationship - with money both in a joint account and in a separate account in their own name.

Couples retain their independence

While couples might be committed to one another, many are far from committed when it comes to their finances, with more than one in four couples (28%) opting not to have a joint account and insisting on keeping their money separate.

Nearly one in ten (8%) people in a relationship don't trust their partner enough to share their finances.

Nearly one in five (17%) of couples admit that having joint finances would lead to arguments.

Four in ten (41%) couples say they have never even brought the matter up, vowing to remain financially independent without discussion.

Women are particularly keen to assert their financial independence

Nearly half (42%) of women in a relationship, say financial independence is important for them - compared to just one in four (24%) men.

Marginally less that half (47%) of women believe that they are better at managing the family finances that their male partners.

Nearly one in four (23%) men think that women really are the ?better half' and readily admit they are much more financially astute.

Not that many couples are good at keeping track of their cash:

Sixteen percent of couples admit to being unaware of the balance of their bank accounts at any given moment.

One in ten (10%) say they can guess - but estimate it would be out by at least ?200.

The tendency to stick with the same account rather than option for one with more suitable facilities, in some case for up to twenty years has resulted in around forty one percent of couple failing to keep their finances in good order.

It is no surprise to see that many people wish to maintain their financial independence. It seems that money issues, whether discussing them or sharing them, remain an uncomfortable subject for many couples.

There are benefits of having both independent and joint accounts. As with most financial services, there is a large discrepancy between the best and worst deals available to consumers today and as such it is worth shopping around for the best current account deals available for your particular needs. When it comes to shopping for a better bank account, there is a large level of inertia preventing the general pollution from doing so."