Only 13 per cent of couples have seen a financial adviser within the past five years, according to Prudential.
The finding comes as Prudential reveals 4.2m people have never discussed their finances with their partner.
Some 13 per cent said they had seen an adviser without their partner and eight per cent had seen an adviser with their partner but more than five years ago.
The most common reason for not discussing finances was the concern it would start an argument. Money was the third most common topic for arguments between couples, behind family and housework but ahead of work, politics, socialising and religion.
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Over half of couples questioned discussed everyday living costs and household bills but just 16 per cent discussed retirement and pensions and three per cent discussed tax and inheritance planning.
Vince Smith-Hughes, retirement expert at Prudential, said: "Money can be a tough topic to discuss at the best of times. Many couples prefer to steer clear of conversations about finances and especially about longer-term issues like retirement.
"Yet it really pays to be honest about your financial situation. Being open about discussing long-term Financial Planning as early as possible will help couples ensure they can enjoy a retirement together."

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