Should Couples Go 50/50… or 60/40? The New Math of Modern Relationships
- Russell Paulson
- Aug 29
- 1 min read
The Old Rule: 50/50
For decades, the standard advice has been simple: couples should split expenses right down the middle. Equal partnership, equal contribution. Fair, right?
Not exactly.
Why 50/50 Doesn’t Always Work
In reality, most couples don’t earn the exact same income. Splitting everything evenly might sound fair, but it can actually create imbalance:
The higher earner feels less impact.
The lower earner feels stretched thin.
Resentment starts to creep in
The math doesn't always add up.
The Modern Approach: Proportional Splitting
Instead of 50/50, more couples are turning to proportional or income-based splits.
That means each person contributes based on what they earn, not just dividing bills in half.
Example:
Partner A earns $100K/year
Partner B earns $60K/year
Combined household income: $160K
In a proportional split, Partner A covers 62.5% of shared costs and Partner B covers 37.5%. Both feel the weight equally, because the split reflects reality.
Why It Works
✅ Feels fairer to both partners
✅ Reduces stress and hidden resentment
✅ Adjusts as income changes
✅ Supports teamwork instead of competition
The Bottom Line
Fair doesn’t always mean equal. The healthiest couples talk openly about what feels sustainable and adjust as life changes.
With Smoov, you don’t need spreadsheets or awkward math. The app tracks, automates, and balances things out - whether you’re splitting 50/50, 60/40, or any ratio in between.
Download Smoov and find your fair split 👇
