The situation
You share a household with a partner, spouse, or family member. You both contribute to bills — but how do you decide what's fair? Especially when incomes differ.
Three common approaches
Everything shared equally regardless of income. Simple but can feel unfair if one person earns significantly more.
Each person contributes a percentage of their income. If you earn 60% of household income, you pay 60% of shared costs. Feels fairer when incomes differ.
Shared expenses go into a joint pot. Everything else is personal. Clear boundaries, less friction.
Try it with our budget planner
Things to discuss together
What counts as shared? Rent, utilities, groceries — usually yes. Personal subscriptions, hobbies — usually no.
What about savings goals? Some couples save together for a house deposit. Others keep savings separate.
Review regularly. If one person's income changes, revisit the split.