You’ve booked the venue, picked out the flowers, and sent the invites. But have you talked about who’ll pay the electric bill after the wedding? Managing finances can feel like a difficult aspect of marriage, but it’s actually an opportunity for collaboration. Finding a system that works for both of you isn’t just about the numbers—it’s about setting a foundation for mutual trust, respect, and shared goals. Yet these money conversations often get pushed to the back burner. While it’s not a romantic topic, the decision to combine bank accounts or keep them separate can affect everything from your daily coffee runs to your retirement nest egg. That’s why it’s helpful to take a look at how this simple banking choice can influence your relationship and long-term goals, even if you’re well beyond the newlywed stage. Learning the pros and cons can guide you toward the right balance for your unique partnership and financial situation. 

Things to Consider:

Before choosing to combine accounts or keep them separate, figure out where you stand on these factors. 

Income gap: If there’s a major salary difference between partners, you might want to think about chipping in proportionally for joint expenses. For instance, if one partner makes $80,000 and the other $40,000, you could agree to contribute 67% and 33% respectively to shared costs, rather than a 50/50 split. 

Financial baggage: If one partner has major debt, keeping some finances separate might protect the other person’s credit score and assets. Think about setting up a joint account for shared expenses while maintaining individual accounts for personal debts and savings. 

Money management: styles If one of you tends to save every penny while the other is more of a spender, you might agree on a percentage of income that goes into shared accounts while keeping personal funds separate for individual spending.