Forget North-South divide over jobs and house prices, now it’s war of the marriages: Northern couples most blissful with Sheffield, Stoke and Leeds topping happy marriage league

Forget the North-South divide on surveys, jobs and house prices; now, it seems, the happiest is the marital war with northern couples.

Sheffield came out on top, with 47 per cent of couples declaring they were ‘incredibly happy’ with their other half, followed by Stoke-on-Trent on 38 per cent and Leeds on 34 per cent.

Oxford in fourth place was the highest position in the south; The 32 percent of couples who agreed with this statement dropped to 16 percent in Cambridge.

The nationwide survey of 2,000 married Britons was commissioned by the digital asset manager. money farmand the company says it paints a “shockingly mixed picture of modern marriage.”

The research found that half of married Brits regularly consider splitting up with their partners, with some admitting they only stay together for financial reasons.

Carina Chambers, Pensions Technical Specialist at digital asset manager Moneyfarm, said: ‘While it is encouraging to see cities such as Sheffield, Stoke and Leeds reporting high levels of marital happiness, our research reveals a more complex picture beneath the surface.

‘Financial insecurity is a major factor that keeps many people in unhappy relationships, from dividing assets and pensions to ensuring long-term security; This shows that the ‘grey divorce trap’ is becoming an increasingly real problem for middle-aged Britons.

‘Divorce can be one of the most financially and emotionally stressful moments in life, especially for those who feel unable to leave unhappy marriages due to financial insecurity.’

While failing couples are traditionally encouraged to seek marriage guidance counselling, Ms Chambers believes financial planning advice is also important for people stuck in unhappy partnerships.

He said: ‘Clear advice can give individuals the confidence to make informed decisions, especially when it comes to their pensions, which are one of the most complex and overlooked assets to divide.

‘A proper understanding and review of available options and how your future income will be affected is crucial to achieving a fair outcome and maintaining financial resilience beyond divorce.’

The survey found that more than a third (34 percent) of respondents admitted that the only thing stopping them from leaving was fear of financial crisis.

Survey finds top three places for happy marriages are in northern regions

Meanwhile, 34 percent of women surveyed said they were most worried about being financially ruined after a split, compared to 30 percent, and more women than men were most worried about being left empty-handed.

Nearly two-thirds of couples, or 65 percent, admitted that they rely on their partner for financial security.

The research also revealed a knowledge gap about divorce; 41 percent of respondents admitted that they don’t even know where to start if they decide to quit.

Second thoughts also emerged; 22 percent admitted they wished they had married someone else, while 7 percent admitted they had been secretly communicating with the “one who got away.”

But many couples were determined to make the marriage work; Almost a quarter (23 percent) said they preferred to work on their marriage before finalizing a divorce.