love It’s important. It moves us, inspires us and unites us. But, although it may not sound as romantic as a candlelight dinner, the financial planning as a couple it is the same essential.
Many relations They do not wear out for lack of affection, but for pending conversations…especially those that have to do with money.
When you don’t talk about financehe economic stress It starts to creep into the routine. First there are small frictions. Then, awkward silences. And later, repeated arguments. It’s not him money the problem itself, but the lack of clear agreements.
Plan as a couple means, among other things:
- Transparent agreements on expenses and responsibilities
- Shared short and long term goals
- Peace of mind knowing where you stand
Because he love without organization wears out; On the other hand, love with a plan is sustained.
Love and money: pending conversation
The home economics can become a real time bomb if there is no healthy communication. Therefore, before talking about budgets or percentages, we must talk about expectations.
Treat the money naturally is the first step towards a healthy coexistence. Talk about the distribution of expenses, the saving and dreams for the future build a solid foundation. Even if one is more financially literate, both should understand the situation and participate in the decisions.
It is also key to know the reality complete. That involves sharing information such as:
- Actual income.
- Outstanding debts.
- Consumption habits.
- Risk profile versus investments.
It is not about supervising, but about grasp. Because the finance reflect valuespriorities and ways of seeing life.
The economist Cristina Benitoin his essay Money Mindfulnessidentify five financial profiles that usually appear in couples: the “arsonist” who spends impulsively; the “detached” ones that give money seeking approval; the “neurotic” person who feels guilt when thriving; the “little ant” obsessive with saving; and the “cloud of not knowing”, which delegates everything and then questions.
Recognize yourself -and recognizing the other- in some of these profiles can help understand conflicts which, on the surface, are just about numbers, but deep down they talk about emotions.
Budget: together or apart?
Once the conversation is open, the practical question comes: how do we organize the accounts? There is not one unique formula. Each couple must find the system that best suits them. reality.
Some opt for “everything together”: a single common account from where all expenses are paid. Others prefer to keep individual accounts and create a shared account for home. There is also the prorated modelwhere each person contributes according to their income, avoiding unfair burdens.
Whatever the scheme chosen, the important thing is that it is consensual and reviewed periodically. A realistic budget -that includes income, fixed expenses, leisure and saving– provides clarity and reduces tensions.
And don’t forget to set savings goals (ideally 10% of income).
A simple and effective tool is to establish a “day of money“: a monthly appointment for review accountsadjust expenses and plan goals. It may sound unromantic, but starting the month with clear figures avoids unnecessary discussions.
Prepare your budget as a couple (in 5 steps)
Make a couples budget is not very different from doing it alone: the difference is that now decide together. Using a template or a simple spreadsheet, these are the basic steps to organize your finance no stress.
- Identify your net income. Add up what you actually receive after taxes and deductions. Work with him monthly amountwhich is what they will use for plan.
- Write down all expenses. Include housing, services, transportation, supermarket and also personal or leisure expenses. Here the key is transparency. Also, define how you will divide the bills: 50/50 or proportional to income.
- Establish how much to save. Set a realistic goal. As a reference, you can aim for 20% of your income and decide where to keep it: savings, investments or emergency fund.
- Adjust as necessary. If the numbers don’t add up, reduce expenses without affecting your quality of life. Small changes make a difference.
- Review every month. Evaluate progress and make adjustments. A budget works when it becomes habit.
In short, manage the finance As a couple it is not just a matter of numbers. It is a way to strengthen coexistence. Knowing how much there is, how much can be spent and what belongs to the common or personal sphere gives emotional security.
Celebrating love also involves organizationagreements and shared vision. Why talk about money does not cool the link; it orders it, protects it and gives it a future.
