Couples Budget Envelopes: A Starter Set
Most couples' money fights are about the small, personal purchases, not the rent. This set funds shared bills and goals together, and gives each partner a personal envelope that's theirs to spend without justification.
| Envelope | Example / month | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1900 | Shared. |
| Utilities + internet | $300 | Shared. |
| Groceries | $800 | Shared. |
| Transportation | $450 | Shared: gas, insurance, maintenance. |
| Date night | $200 | Shared and protected. |
| Partner A personal | $150 | No questions asked. |
| Partner B personal | $150 | No questions asked. |
| Emergency fund | $500 | Shared goal. |
| Next big goal | $400 | Vacation, down payment, or debt payoff: pick one together. |
| Gifts (incl. each other) | $75 | Sinking fund. |
| Total | $4925 |
Tips for this set
- Keep personal envelopes equal, even if incomes aren't, unless you both agree otherwise.
- A 15-minute weekly check-in beats a monthly argument.
Set it up
Copy these envelopes into the free envelope budget spreadsheet, write them on printable cash envelopes, or create them in EnvelopeBudget in a few minutes. New to envelopes? Start with how envelope budgeting works.
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