Martin Lewis warns all couples over 'the three Ds' as he says 'be prepared'

Martin Lewis warns all couples over 'the three Ds' as he says 'be prepared'The finance guru has explained exactly what you need to doCommentsMoneyNeil Shaw Assistant Editor (Money and Lifestyle)08:06, 13 Apr 2026View 2 ImagesMartin Lewis says couples often make the same mistakeMoney Saving Expert founder and personal finance guru Martin Lewis has warned couples of a 'hidden risk' that only becomes clear when it is too late. In a clip shared from his podcast on his official TikTok account, the TV finance expert suggested the real issue is not how couples organise their accounts, but something far less obvious that often goes unnoticed.‌Whether couples use joint accounts, separate finances, or a mix of both, Martin says the real danger lies in what happens behind the scenes, and why some households could be left vulnerable if circumstances suddenly change. Martin explained that couples tend to manage money in different ways. Some, particularly older couples, use a single joint account for everything, while many younger couples prefer separate accounts alongside a shared one for bills.‌But he stressed that this is not the real issue. “That’s less relevant than, is one person making all the decisions, got it all stored in their head,” he said. The real concern, he explained, comes down to what he calls the “three Ds.”‌View 2 ImagesLara Lewington and Martin Lewis during the NTA's 2025 at The O2 ArenaMartin said: “I’m sorry, it doesn’t sound that nice, are the three Ds, death, divorce, and dementia.” These situations can leave one partner suddenly responsible for finances they may not fully understand, adding stress at an already difficult time.To avoid this, Martin urged couples to make sure both partners are prepared to take over if needed. His first suggestion is to create a financial fact sheet. This should include a clear list of all important financial information, such as bank accounts, bills, and providers.‌“A nice, long list of...