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Managing finances as a couple

Money is a determining factor in a relationship. Discover our tips for managing your finances as a couple, with serenity and confidence.

One of the most important things in a relationship is to be on the same page when it comes to finances. Money is often a touchy subject, but it’s important to have open and honest communication about your finances with your partner. No one wants to argue about money, but managing money as a couple doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are a few tips on how to manage your money as a couple.

💡 Managing your money as a couple is one of the key topics of daily life, along with managing household chores or even managing your time. In our dedicated article, we give you our tips to help you
build a healthy, balanced daily routine
.

1. Set financial goals

Before you can start working on your financial goals as a couple, you must first sit down and talk about them. Want to save up for a down payment on a house ? Do you want to get rid of your debts ? Do you want to start saving for retirement ? Do you want to save for a new car ? Taking a trip ? Once you know your financial goals, you can start developing a plan to achieve them. It’s the best motivation !

2. Set a budget and stick to it

Once you’ve defined your financial goals, it’s time to start drawing up a budget. Work together to develop a budget that covers all your essential needs and allows you to have fun. Then commit to sticking to your budget to stay on track to reach your goals. You may have to make a few sacrifices, but it will all be worth it in the end.

3. Communicate regularly

Perhaps the most important tip for managing money as a couple is to communicate regularly. Talk about your finances often, even if there’s no problem. This will help you keep the lines of communication open and avoid surprises along the way. You also need to make sure you’re both on the same wavelength when it comes to major purchases. If one of you wants to buy a new car or go on a trip, discuss it first to avoid (un)pleasant surprises.

4. Be transparent about your expenses

Good accounts make good friends.… and good marriages ! Be transparent about your expenses, and don’t hide them from your partner. Unless it’s his birthday present, of course 😉

Whether you’ve drawn up a marriage contract or not, you’re in the same boat. It’s essential to be honest about your purchases, but also about any credits or debts you may have. Set the record straight to build real financial trust between you. Because remember, when it comes to finance : you’re all in the same boat !

5. Recognize your personality differences

Not everyone is born and grows up in the same conditions. As a result, each person’s relationship with money is unique : one loves numbers and Excel spreadsheets, the other hates calculations, one is a spendthrift, the other a thrifty person, and so on.

Personality differences can be at the root of certain
conflicts
often not the real root of money-related problems. The root of the problem lies when one of you neglects to listen to the other’s opinion, or when one of you gives up on managing finances altogether. So, even if finances put you off, get involved, unite and form a great team of accountants !

If money is a subject of conflict for you, the
90/10 rule for understanding your conflicts
could be very useful.

6. Take salary differences into account

In most couples, one earns more money than the other. It’s rare that the two of you earn exactly the same salary. Sometimes, for example, one of the couple’s partners puts part of his or her career on hold to look after the household. More generally, a gap in economic power (family wealth or salary) is a crucial subject to tackle, because if it is not managed transparently, it can create a power struggle, imbalance and great frustration.

This difference needs to be taken into account to avoid any perceived imbalance. For those who earn the most might feel entitled to a say in every expenditure, while those who earn less might feel guilty at the slightest expense.

There is no miracle recipe or perfect method. The important thing is to discuss and agree.

7. Have a joint account… and separate accounts too

Some couples think that the best way to avoid money disputes is to keep separate current accounts. His salary goes into one account, yours into another, and we each pay our bills separately. But marriage is a partnership. It’s no longer a question of « his money » and « my money », but of « your money ».

One of the most common solutions for managing money as a couple is to have a joint account for bills and joint expenses (rent, shopping, etc.), and separate accounts. The joint account can be funded in proportion to each employee’s salary. In this way, everyone contributes to the couple’s expenses to the extent of their income. At the same time, separate accounts allow everyone to spend the money they have on them as they see fit, without having to justify it.

This method gives both partners a certain amount of freedom when it comes to spending.

8. Unio Preparation helps you take stock

Whether you’re a new couple, engaged or already married,
our Unio
laic preparation helps you to take stock of your couple’s money management. Unio is a real conversation starter, offering you the chance to discuss 7 key themes of married life and commitment. By alternating moments of individual reflection with sessions of sharing together, you’ll tackle in depth the subjects that matter, for a fulfilling and lasting marriage !