Money and Relationship Rules Every Couple Should Follow

When you’re sharing life (and expenses) with a partner, things can get a little more complicated. Whether you’re moving in together, saving for a house or simply navigating day to day spending, money and relationships need their own set of ground rules. 

Here are a few money rules we think help keep things calm, stress free and balanced in any relationship:

1️⃣ Make money date nights a habit

Every few weeks, set aside time to sit down together and talk about money. Budget, set goals, check in on progress and celebrate wins. Think of it like a relationship check-in but for your money. Keeping these chats regular means there’s no big surprises or stress building up in the background.

2️⃣ Respect each other’s money personalities

One of you might be more of a spender, the other a saver and that’s totally normal. Instead of trying to change each other, try to find balance. The spender reminds the saver to enjoy their money now and then, while the saver helps keep things steady. It’s all about balance, not control.

3️⃣ Budget for your individual non-negotiables

We all have things we don’t want to compromise on. One partner might prioritise health and fitness spending, while the other loves family dinners or nights out. Instead of arguing, include those non-negotiables in your budget. When both people feel seen, it’s much easier to stay on the same page.

4️⃣ Same goals, same vision

The strongest money partnerships work when both people know where they’re heading. Agree on your big goals, whether that’s buying a house, clearing debt or building wealth. Decide together how fast you want to get there and how much fun you’ll have along the way. It’s not just about the destination; it’s about building a life you both love day to day.

🎧 Want to dive deeper?

BBC Finance Expert, Laura talked all about Money Date Nights in this episode of The Vault Unlocked. From how to get started to the exact questions to ask each other ⬇️