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Money

Money newThere are few things in this life more confusing and worrying than money issues. We all have our own special ways of dealing with financial matters - but whether you hope for the best or stick your head firmly in the sand, you need to read our finance section. Frequently we're worrying more than we need to, and where there is a problem it is often easily solved if you know how.

Money and Debt

There is a lot of confusion about what financial rights and responsibilities you have when you're living with your partner. Are you financially responsible for each other? Would you be entitled to maintenace if you split up? Are you liable for each other’s debts? Our quick guide to Money and Debt should answer all your questions.

We've received a number of questions from readers confused about money issues - read them here.

Pensions

Who actually understands pensions? People who've read our pension guide, that's who! It explains everything you and your partner need to know about state, occupational and personal pensions. It explains where you may encounter problems because you are not married and what you can do about it. It also shows you what you can do now to ensure you and your partner will both be ok in your retirement, whatever happens. Convinced? Download our Pensions leaflet (527 KB).


Tax

When it comes to tax, unmarried couples are treated differently to married couples. You do need to know about these differences but, in order to make it as painless as possible, we tell you everything you need to in a very short tax quiz.

The tax most likely to cause a problem for cohabiting couples is now inheritance tax. Because of the rise in house prices over the last ten years, more and more ordinary people are being left with an inheritance tax bill when their partner dies. We explain when it's something you need to worry about, and how you prevent leaving your partner with a whacking great tax bill to remember you by. Download our Inheritance Tax leaflet (250 KB)

Benefits

Are you moving out? Are you having problems because of the credit crunch?
If so, we would really like to talk to you. Please get in touch using our feedback form.

If you or your partner receive benefits you need to know where you stand with the benefits system. Even if you don't receive benefits now, you may in the future. It's important to know that in some areas couples that live together lose out! Make sure you know what the rules are - download our benefits leaflet (283 KB).

We have also received a lot of questions from readers asking "what counts as living together?" for benefits and other financial purposes. If you are confused or think you may have difficulty with the benefits office because your boyfriend/girlfriend stays with you regularly these may help. Read more...

Mary Webber - Advicenow
September 2007

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Use the Community Legal Advice website to find an adviser or solicitor in your area.
Go to www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk or find other sources of help.

Married or not - One Plus One

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Married or not looks at the differences between marriage and cohabitation, what your rights are, and how to raise some of the trickier issues with your partner.

One Plus One are partners in the LivingTogether project,

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