If partners deserve a lot, the question of a fair distribution of costs quickly becomes a balancing act. But with the right strategies, financial imbalances can be solved fairly without the relationship suffering.
The different models of the cost allocation
The 50/50 principle: With this classic approach, both partners share all common expenses in equal parts. As can be seen from the contribution of Finanztip, “this makes sense, especially when your salary is approximately the same.” In the event of larger income differences, however, this model can lead to injustices, since the partner is more strongly burdened with the lower income.
The proportional division: Here the costs are divided according to the respective income ratio. A practical example: If a partner earns 3,000 euros gross and the other 4,500 euros gross, you could divide your finances in a ratio of 2: 3. With a warm rent of 1,200 euros, this would mean: 480 euros for the low -wage earner and 720 euros for the better earner.
The three-account model: As can be seen from the contribution of the investment, many financial experts recommend the three-account model as the most practical and fairest solution, since both have the same right about the common money. Both partners keep their individual accounts and also pay an agreed amount to a common account, from which all common expenses are paid. This enables both financial common and individual autonomy.
Communication as a key to success
The most important factor for a fair distribution of costs is open communication. As can be seen from the contribution of the Westdeutsche Zeitung, Finanzcoachin Henriette Dieckhoff advises to speak “as open and as early as possible” about income differences. Because the money affects every area of life – “everyday life, dreams, plans and crises.”
It is important that there are often emotional aspects behind the bare numbers. Money is often equated with power, control, security or freedom. Therefore, couples should not only talk about amounts, but also about their expectations, fears and ideas of fairness.
Regular “finance talks” help to check the selected division and adjust if necessary. This becomes particularly important for changes such as salary increases, job changes or family start -up.
Do not forget long -term perspective
A fair cost allocation must also keep an eye on the future. As the example of Biallo.de shows, an initially fair 50/50 layout can quickly prove to be unfair: If a partner reduces her working hours due to a child and her salary drops from 2,500 to 1,500 euros, while she continues to pay 1,500 euros for joint expenses, she no longer has a cent for her own old-age provision. The partner, on the other hand, can set several hundred euros aside every month.
Such scenarios show why couples should rethink their cost allocation regularly. In the event of larger changes in life – be it due to parental leave, illness or unemployment – the selected system must be able to be flexibly adjusted.
The tax aspects should also be considered: Married couples can achieve considerable advantages through skillful tax class selection or joint assessment that should flow into the overall view of the fair division.
Fairness as a benchmark
There is no “right” model for the cost of the cost in the relationship. It is crucial that both partners feel comfortable with the selected solution and find them fair. Whether 50/50, proportional to income or with another system – it is important to be open communication and the willingness to adapt the selected model if necessary. This is the only way to spare the relationship between financial tensions in the long term.
D. Maier / Redaktion Finanzen.net