The financial agreement every couple needs

The financial agreement every couple needs

Most couples manage money by habit, not by design. That works—until it doesn’t. The fastest way to reduce money friction is to make an explicit agreement you can both reference.

Below is a simple, practical framework. It’s not a contract; it’s a shared playbook.

Why an agreement beats “winging it”

When rules live in someone’s head, they feel subjective. That’s where resentment starts. A clear agreement:

• Makes expectations explicit
• Reduces repetitive arguments
• Gives you a neutral reference when something feels unfair

The five questions to answer together

1. What’s shared and what’s individual? Define which accounts, expenses, and goals are “ours” versus “mine.” This alone removes most ambiguity.

2. How do we split shared expenses? Pick a rule for fixed expenses (rent, utilities) and variable ones (groceries, dates). You can do 50/50, proportional to income, or another rule that feels fair.

3. What are our shared goals? Trips, emergency fund, a house—list the top 1–3 and decide how much to contribute monthly.

4. What requires a conversation first? Set a spending threshold that triggers a quick check-in before buying (for example: any purchase over $150).

5. When do we review? Set a recurring check-in (monthly works well). Keep it short and focused: “What went well, what needs adjusting, and what’s next?”

A simple agreement template

Use this as a starting point and adapt it to your reality:

• Shared expenses: split proportionally to income
• Shared goals: $300/month toward emergency fund
• Individual spending: $200/month no-questions-asked
• Big purchases: check-in above $150
• Review date: first Sunday of each month

Keep it alive

The agreement only works if it stays current. Life changes—income, bills, priorities—so revisit it regularly. A 15-minute check-in is often enough.

If you want a system that keeps your agreement visible and easy to follow, use an app that lets both partners see the same numbers in real time. It’s the easiest way to make the agreement feel fair.