How to Share Expenses Fairly in a Dual-Income Household. Workbook: Living on Percentages.

Q: How can a dual-income household budget fairly without overburdening the lower earner?

To budget fairly in a dual-income household, start by shifting the focus from splitting expenses 50/50 to proportional contributions based on income. This means each person contributes a percentage of their income toward shared expenses, ensuring that no one is stretched beyond their means.

How to budget in a dual-income household without placing a financial burden on the lower-earning member.

By LRA, published November 16, 2024, updated August 16, 2025.

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Monthly Housing Expenses (Fixed Contribution Model)

This section provides default estimates based on national averages for a typical U.S. household of four. It includes both active monthly costs and reserve contributions for long-term repairs and maintenance.

Customization Guidance

If you already know your actual monthly costs (e.g., mortgage, lawn care, pest control), you can replace the default values with your own. The defaults are designed to help you:

Understand the typical range of housing expenses
Begin budgeting with realistic expectations
Ensure you're setting aside enough for future repairs

Tip: Even if you don't currently pay for a service (e.g., pest control or cleaning), maintaining a reserve helps you prepare for when those costs inevitably arise.

Monthly Income by Household Member (after taxes)

Member 1 Monthly Income ($)

Member 2 Monthly Income ($)

Housing & Maintenance

Mortgage (28% of Gross combined income)

Property Taxes (Louisiana avg. ~$1,800/yr)

Homeowners Insurance: $150 (national avg.)

Flood Insurance: $40 (Zone X)

HOA Fees: $50 (if applicable)

Maintenance Services (Monthly Averages)

HVAC Maintenance (Filter changes, seasonal tune-ups)

Plumbing Maintenance (Minor leak fixes, drain cleaning)

Electrical Maintenance (Outlet/switch checks, light fixture upkeep)

Landscaping (Lawn mowing, edging, basic trimming)

Pest Control (Monthly spray or bait stations)

Cleaning Services (Optional deep cleaning)

Gutter Maintenance (Visual checks, minor debris removal)

Reserves (Monthly Contributions for Future Repairs)

Roof Reserve (~$20K every 15-20 years)

Painting Reserve (~$20K every 15-20 years)

HVAC Reserve (~$8K every 10-15 years)

Plumbing Reserve (~$4K every 10 years)

Electrical Reserve (~$3K every 10-15 years)

Flooring Reserve (~$7.5K every 10-15 years)

Windows & Siding Reserve (~$6K every 20 years)

Gutter Reserve (~$2.4K every 20 years)

Foundation & Drainage Reserve (~$4K every 20-30 years)

Appliance Replacement Reserve (~$6K every 10-15 years)

Household Expenses

Utilities

Electricity ($) (Climate zone 2, heat pump, energy efficient appliances)

Water, Sewer, Garbage ($) (Based on national average for family of 4)

Internet ($) (Moderate speed plan)

Cell Phones ($) (Family plan for two lines)

Living Expenses

Food

Groceries ($) (Family of 4, moderate cost)

Dining Out / Takeout ($) (Discretionary spending)

Child Expenses

Childcare / After School Programs

School Supplies & Uniforms

Extracurriculars

College Savings

Health Insurance

Health Insurance Premiums

Out-of-Pocket Medical/Dental/Vision

Prescriptions & OTC medications

Mental Health Services or Counseling

Emergency & Resilience

Emergency Fund Contribution (3–6 months of expenses)

Disaster Preparedness Reserve

Legal/Document Reserve (ID replacement, notary, licenses)

Life & Discretionary

Shared Discretionary Fund ()

Gifts & Holidays ()

Subscriptions & Streaming Services ()

Pet Care (Food, Medical, Grooming)

Education & Career

Student Loan (Shared Debt)

Professional Development (courses, certifications)

Books, Software, Tools ()

Job Search / Relocation Reserve ()

Transportation

Vehicles (Two vehicles <$10k 60-month 7%)

Fuel ($) (Two SUVs, moderate mileage)

Car Insurance ($) (Two SUVs, based on national average)

Auto Maintenance ($) (Savings for routine upkeep and repairs)

Debt Repayment

Credit Card (Shared Debt)

Retirement Reserve: 401(k) Contribution Model

Employee 401(k)(Combined 401(k) $60k-$70k 5.5%/4.5% up to 25% )

The results will appear below after you click “Generate Budget Report.” You can then copy the information or print the report as needed.