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Money and your whānau

Saving tips for couples

Superpower your savings as a couple and watch your savings grow.

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Teamwork makes the dream work

You’ve met your match, the love of your life ... and potentially the holder of your joint bank account details. 

One of the great things about saving with a partner is you’re not going it alone. You might have double the income, but even if you don’t, you’ll have twice the skills, resilience and capacity to max your savings. 

So whether you’ve just started sharing your expenses, or you’re already well on your way, check out these great tips to help you and your other half hit your savings goals.

Tip 1. One roof equals a savings boost

No pressure, we know moving in together is a big decision. But if it’s on the cards, you’ll be pleased to know that combining bills or rent could help you save even more and move you closer to achieving your financial dreams. 

Tip 2. Discuss your future plans

OK you two, brew yourselves a cuppa. Then sit down and have an honest conversation about your savings goals. Do you want to buy a home? Maybe you want to get more serious about how you invest your savings? Whatever your aspirations, you need a plan. Make a list of your income vs expenses, then look at what you can tweak to cut your spending and increase your savings. That way you can get where you both want sooner. Fancy a biscuit with that? 

Tip 3. How to keep each other honest

It’s a lot easier staying on track when you both have eyes on the savings prize. A simple trick you could use to keep one another accountable is a joint account where you can both see what each other is buying. Yes, you might get questioned occasionally, but will you really mind if it means you stick to your goals?

Tip 4. The price of love

We know the importance of a regular date night, but it doesn’t need to derail your savings schedule. Try a romantic rendezvous that won’t break your budget, like a picnic or cooking your partner an extra special dinner. You’re also on dishes, by the way.

The saying might be divide and conquer, but when it comes to couples, we reckon it’s combine and conquer for the savings win. 

Steps to financial wellbeing

Our financial wellbeing programme can help. Try one step or two, or work through the programme's six steps in any order.

Set a savings goal

Start with microsavings – putting aside a bit of money each payday – and build up to a goal.

Set a savings goal

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Important information

This material is for information purposes only. Please talk to us if you need financial advice about your situation and goals or about our products and services. See our financial advice provider disclosure (PDF 39.9KB).

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