One of the most common—and emotionally charged—questions couples ask is this:
“Should we combine our finances, and if so, what’s fair?”
On the surface, the answer seems simple. Love says, “What’s mine is yours, and what’s yours is mine.”
But real life, different income levels, and real responsibilities quickly complicate that idea.
In this episode of The Ridgeway Report, we break down a critical financial principle that can make or break how couples manage money together:
Equality vs. Equity.
Understanding the difference could save your relationship years of frustration—and thousands of dollars.
Equality vs. Equity: Why the Difference Matters in Relationships
When couples try to manage money together, many default to equality.
Equality sounds fair.
Equality feels simple.
Equality is easy to calculate.
But equality often creates hidden financial stress.
What Equality Looks Like
- Both partners contribute the same dollar amount
- Expenses are split 50/50
- Contributions are “even” on paper
The problem?
Life is rarely even.
When incomes differ, equal dollar contributions can result in:
- One partner losing half of their income
- The other partner contributing less than a tithe
- Financial resentment quietly building over time
That’s not fairness—that’s imbalance.
Why Equity Is the Better Financial Strategy
Equity focuses on percentages, not dollar amounts.
Instead of asking, “Are we paying the same amount?”
Equity asks, “Are we taking the same level of risk?”
What Equity Looks Like
- Each partner contributes a percentage of their income
- Financial responsibility is shared proportionally
- Both partners feel invested, not burdened
When you use percentages:
- No one is financially suffocated
- No one feels like they’re carrying the household alone
- The partnership stays aligned—even as incomes change
This is especially important for couples with:
- Income gaps
- One primary earner
- Career transitions
- Entrepreneurial or commission-based income
Why Couples Struggle With This Conversation
Many couples pull out calculators and try to “negotiate” fairness.
But money isn’t just math—it’s emotional.
Without a framework, those conversations often lead to:
- Guilt
- Defensiveness
- Silent resentment
- Poor financial decisions made just to keep peace
This is where guidance matters.
One Size Does NOT Fit All in Marriage and Money
Some marriages thrive with fully combined finances.
Others succeed with partial separation.
Some use joint accounts plus personal spending accounts.
There is no single “biblical” or “perfect” structure.
What matters is this:
- You agree on the system
- The system feels fair to both people
- The system supports long-term financial stability
That requires intentional planning—not guesswork.
Why You Should Listen to the Full Episode
In this episode of The Ridgeway Report, we walk through:
- Real-world examples of equality vs. equity
- Why dollar-based splitting often backfires
- How percentages create balance and unity
- What couples should consider before combining accounts
If you’re married, engaged, or even seriously dating, this conversation is essential.
👉 Listen to the full episode before making any major financial decisions together.
When It’s Time to Talk to a Financial Advisor
Understanding the concept is one thing.
Applying it correctly to your household is another.
A financial advisor helps you:
- Evaluate income differences objectively
- Design a system that grows with your marriage
- Avoid common mistakes couples don’t see coming
- Align money decisions with your long-term goals and values
If you and your spouse are trying to:
- Combine finances
- Reduce money-related stress
- Build a household plan that actually feels fair
- Create clarity instead of conflict
Then it’s time to stop guessing.
Schedule a Consultation
I’m A.B. Ridgeway, CPWA®, a Certified Private Wealth Advisor with over a decade of experience helping couples and families manage money with clarity, integrity, and purpose.
If this episode resonated with you, the next step is simple:
👉 Schedule a consultation to talk through your situation and build a plan that works for both of you.
Because the goal isn’t just financial equality—it’s financial peace.
Listen to the episode.
Have the conversation.
Then let’s build something equitable—together.
About the Author
A.B. Ridgeway, CPWA® is the founder of A.B. Ridgeway Wealth Management and host of The Ridgeway Report. He specializes in helping retirees and pre-retirees create reliable income, invest with clarity, and make confident financial decisions.
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About The Ridgeway Report:
As Christians, we were taught to be good stewards over our tithing and giving to the less fortunate. But when it came to our personal finances and investing we were left clueless on what the Bible says. What does the Bible say about managing debt, leaving a legacy, investing, and planning for your retirement? Mr. Christian Finance answers these and many other questions because we want to teach you how to become rich and righteous!
Meet A.B. Ridgeway:
A.B. Ridgeway, MBA, CPWA®️ (info@abrwealthmanagement.com) is the owner and Christian Financial Advisor with A.B. Ridgeway Wealth Management. With a decade in the finance industry, his goal is to give believers clarity around the most confusing topic in the Bible, money, and tithing. A.B. Ridgeway helps tithing Christians become cheerful givers but unlocking their money-making potential, so they can prosper and be the great stewards of the wealth God has entrusted them with.
*Disclaimer: This communication is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any financial instrument or investment advisory services. Any information provided has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee the accuracy or the completeness of any description of securities, markets or developments mentioned. This is strictly for information purposes. We recommend you speak with a professional financial advisor.
*Some elements in this blog was created, restructured, edited or summarized by AI and may have altered from the original content. Warning: There may be errors that were creating during this transition that were not in the original content. Please double check all information.
