This is apparently what a single person looks like. (Picture: Getty)

24% of single people believe they will never be financially secure enough to retire.

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Being single has a lot of benefits. You can eat pizza in your bed without anyone complaining about crumbs, you can cheerfully flirt with anyone you want and if you got offered a job on the other side of the world, you could go.

But apparently it’s also go some downsides, one of which is less financial stability.

Peer-to-peer lending platform Lending Works surveyed over 1,500 non-retired adults in the UK (YouGov) and made some concerning discoveries.


24% of single adults said they believe they would never be in a secure enough position to finish work, compared to 19% of those who are married or living with their partner.

On top of this, 40% of those who were not in relationship said that they are currently unable to put any money aside each month for their future, compared to 29% of those in long-term relationships, (married or co-habiting).



So basically living together saves you enough money that you can stash some away for the future, and making you feel like retirement might be an eventual option/

If you’re in a relationship it’s not time to start feeling smug quite yet thought. The figures show that overall, 1 in 5 of those who aren’t yet retired – 22% – believe that they’ll never be financially secure enough to retire. Basically most of us see ourselves working until we die because we won’t ever be able to afford not to.

Fun!

The 35-44 year old category are the most likely to think retirement is unlikely, with 25% of them not seeing themselves as ever being financially secure enough to retire.

18-24 year olds, are the second most pessimistic demographic, with 17% seeing retirement as a financial unicorn.

You probably won’t be surprised to hear that over a third of non-retired adults – 34% – don’t save anything towards retirement each month.

Between rent or mortgage payment, transport, food and occasionally allowing yourself a social life, it’s probably no surprise that there isn’t much left to save. And even if you are a saver, unless it’s in an untouchable account, whena rainy day comes along those savings often get wiped out.

‘It is clear from this research that many Brits are quite pessimistic when it comes to the future,’ commented Nick Harding, CEO and co-founder of Lending Works. ‘It is also particularly concerning to see how many people aren’t planning adequately for their retirement, although it is perhaps somewhat understandable given the slow economic recovery and poor returns on savings currently available.

‘But with a growing number of alternatives to the established avenues for saving, there are still many ways in which consumers can get on top of things, and thus leave themselves in good shape by the time they reach traditional retirement age.’

Well that’s hopeful. Ish.

MORE: Forget relationships for a second – here’s why it’s perfectly fine to enjoy being single

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