Mismatched financial expectations? How to cope in a relationship where one partner out-earns the other

Yahoo

18 hours ago

For some, the road to marriage can look financially lopsided. Those in their 30s earning their fair share — say, more than $100,000 a year — may be used to covering 100% of their individual household expenses.
However, it doesn't typically feel good when a fiancé refuses to contribute, claiming their money is only for 'fun,' not 'responsibilities.' This is particularly troubling given cost of living increases and how those are reflected in the cost of non-negotiable spending.
According to Statistics Canada, the average household spent about $76,750 annually on expenses in 2023, including housing, transportation and food, the three largest categories.
In a two-person household, those costs can quickly add up. And when only one person is footing the bill, the financial and emotional burden becomes even heavier.
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The red flags of an unequal dynamic
While differences in income are normal, refusing to contribute entirely can trigger long-term problems.
When one partner sacrifices and handles 100% of the financial responsibilities, their personal finances may suffer down the road, while the other partner gains.
This creates several challenges:
Budget strain: Even with a six-figure salary, carrying the full weight of household costs limits your ability to save, invest or spend on yourself.
Lifestyle imbalance and negative emotions: When one person is financially constrained while the other uses their full income for leisure, it can foster resentment.
Power imbalance: Financial inequality can also seep into decision-making. The partner who pays for everything may feel overburdened and unheard, while the non-contributing partner may avoid accountability.
Future financial insecurity: Without shared financial planning, big goals — from buying a home to starting a family — may be delayed or derailed entirely.
It's about more than just paying the bills: Aligning your values, goals and decisions is important in a successful relationship.
How to address it before saying 'I do'
Before walking down the aisle, a couple in this situation needs to have a candid conversation in a productive, structured way. If you see yourself as the "giving" half of your relationship, here are a few practical steps to take to hopefully see change.
1. Have a values-based conversation
Frame the conversation not as a confrontation, but as a shared planning session for your future.
You can try something like: 'I want us to feel like we're building something together. Can we talk about how we want to manage money as a team?'
Focus on shared goals, like housing, travel, kids and retirement, and how to achieve them together.
Read more: 'You're going to live on beans and rice': This senior told Dave Ramsey she has debt and zero savings —
2. Consider financial counseling
If emotions are running high, a third party can help. Premarital or financial counselling can uncover deeper money beliefs and create shared understanding.
Resources, like the Canadian Association for Financial Empowerment, can help you locate professionals near you.
You can also seek help from a financial advisor, who can look at you and your partner's financial health and find ways to be more reasonable with your money, like finding ways to save for the future, while also finding avenues for realistic, personal indulgences.
3. Propose a fair cost-sharing model
A practical approach is using a cost-sharing model like a proportional contribution one.
Under this, you'd figure out the proportion of total household income you each bring in. This system keeps contributions equitable while acknowledging income disparities.
For example, say you earn 70% of your combined income and your partner earns 30%. You'd each contribute these proportions toward shared costs.
So, if those costs are $65,000 annually, you'd pay $45,500 per year, while your partner would pay $19,500 per year.
You can also look into a budgeting app, which can help bolster more thoughtful money management and create an actionable and trackable plan moving forward.
4. Set boundaries and deadlines
If your partner continues to resist contributing, it's worth asking yourself if this is a difference in values or a refusal to partner in life. Marriage is a financial partnership as much as an emotional one.
Put yourself first by setting a deadline to revisit the conversation and being honest with yourself about your limits.
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1. Statistics Canada: Survey of Household Spending, 2023 (May 21, 2025)
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.