How do I split shared expenses fairly when one partner stays home?

When one partner earns the income and the other manages the home or kids, the fairest frame is usually to treat all income as the household's, not the earner's. Both partners contributed to the decision and both do real work, so a single shared pot for goals and bills – plus equal, no-questions personal allowances for each – avoids one partner feeling like they have to ask permission to spend. Recognize that the at-home partner's labor has real economic value, often replacing thousands of dollars in childcare and services. Two protections matter here: make sure the non-earning partner has access to accounts and visibility into finances, and keep retirement savings flowing for both, including a spousal IRA so the at-home partner builds their own balance. Agree on equal personal allowances and shared decision-making rather than tying spending power to who earns the paycheck.