Around a third of those who die don’t have a will and the Law Commission’s proposals would mean that if you die, your partner could inherit property you leave.

Have you got round to writing your will yet? If not, you’re not alone. Millions of us don’t bother with a will, either because we don’t think we need one or because it all feels a bit too depressing to think about. The problem is that many of those who haven’t drawn up a will think they’ll be better protected by the law than they actually are; particularly couples who live together. At the moment, you’re not automatically entitled to anything if your partner dies without a will. Now the Law Commission is planning to change that. But are the proposals workable?

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You need life insurance if you have joint debts with your husband or partner or children who are financially dependent on you

If you don't have any debts with your partner and don't have children (or they're grown up and don't depend on you financially), you can save money by not buying life insurance. But if you do have a joint mortgage or other debts, you probably do need some life insurance. There are different types of life insurance and some types of policy are more expensive than others.

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Around one in five couples confess to keeping financial secrets from each other and many of those who don’t still think money is the hardest subject to talk about.

How open are you and your partner when it comes to money? This Valentine’s day I suggested that couples should gift wrap their bank and credit card statements and show their partner they really care. Some of you told me that such a move would signal the end of your relationship. Being in a relationship with someone doesn’t mean you have to know everything each other does, but – if you have joint financial commitments – it’s useful to get an idea of how you manage your money.

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