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Couples and Joint Bills: 3 Common Ways to Split Expenses
There's no right answer for couples, only the one you both agree on. These are the three most common approaches.
1. Straight 50/50
Every shared bill is split down the middle. Pros: simple, and it feels equal. Cons: it can strain the lower earner and leave them with much less spending money.
2. Proportional to income
Each partner pays the same percentage of their income. With incomes of $7,000 and $3,000, the split is 70/30. Pros: both partners keep a similar share of their own money. Cons: you have to share your incomes and update the split when they change.
3. Joint account ("yours, mine, ours")
Both partners pay a set amount, equal or proportional, into a joint account that covers all shared bills. Whatever is left in each personal account is your own. Pros: fewer transfers, and it feels like a team. Cons: it takes setting up, and you still have to decide how much each person puts in.
What counts as "shared"?
Agree on this before you agree on percentages. Rent, utilities and groceries usually count. Dinners out, hobbies and gifts often don't.
Use the calculator
Add both partners with their incomes, add your bills, and set each one to "Equally" or "By income". You can try both and compare.