So how to build a joint budget so that there is more harmony in the relationship, and not mutual reproaches?
📌 Why is it worth talking about money?

Silence is not golden when it comes to family expenses.
At the beginning of a relationship, people tend to avoid talking about money: it seems inconvenient, unromantic, “there is no time for it.” But if you do not discuss financial expectations, misunderstandings will sooner or later surface.

Psychologists advise:
speak openly, without embarrassment. Financial honesty is trust, not self-interest.
📊 3 main models of a family budget
1. Joint budget

All income is combined into one “pot”, from which all expenses are financed.

Suitable for:
couples with similar income levels or with an agreement that “everything is shared.”

Pros:

Simplified planning

A sense of unity

Less divisions of “yours/mine”

Cons:

Can cause tension if one earns more and spends less.

2. Separate budget

Each pays for their own needs, expenses are divided (for example, 50/50 or in proportion to income).

Suitable for:
independent people who value autonomy.

Pros:

Financial freedom

No feeling that someone is “sitting on your neck.”

Cons:

Can reduce the sense of unity

Requires a lot of discussion and calculations

3. Mixed budget

The couple has a common fund for joint expenses and personal money for their desires.

Suitable for:
couples where both want to plan together and have freedom.

Pros:

Balance between closeness and freedom

Fewer reasons for reproach

Cons:

You need to clearly agree on what is considered “shared” and what is “personal”

🧩 How to agree?

1. Discuss the goals

Do you want to save up for a vacation? Or buy an apartment? It’s better to know about this in advance and move forward together.

2. Assess your income honestly

Without exaggeration or omission. Financial transparency is about respect.

3. Set up a “budget day”

Once a month, sit down to discuss your income, expenses, and plans. Make a cozy ritual out of it — let it not be a boring meeting, but an evening with wine and numbers.

4. Leave room for freedom

Everyone should have their own “pocket” — money that can be spent as they please. This relieves tension and gives a sense of control.
⚖️ Budget = partnership, not control

Don't turn your family budget into a tool of power. "He who pays the piper calls the tune" doesn't work in a healthy relationship.

The ideal budget is one where both feel heard and respected, even if they earn differently.
❤️ In conclusion:

A joint budget isn't just about money. It's about cohesion, the ability to talk about difficult topics, and respect for each other's needs and dreams.
When a family can negotiate about money, it means that it can negotiate about life.