How One Couple Split Retirement Contributions Without a Formula

In this episode of Money for Couples, Lucas and Luna explore how one couple, Marta and James, handled unequal retirement contributions without forcing a rigid 50-50 split. Marta earns about $85,000 as a school librarian; James earns roughly $130,000 in tech sales. They wanted each to max out their 401(k) but realized Marta couldn't afford it without sacrificing her emergency fund. Instead of a percentage split or a joint account, they agreed on a 'proportional floor' — each contributes at least enough to get their full employer match, and then any extra room is filled by James via a spousal IRA. The episode walks through the numbers, the negotiation, and how they review it annually. It's a concrete case study for any couple where income differs and retirement feels lopsided. #RetirementPlanning #CouplesFinance #IncomeGap #401k #SpousalIRA #MarriageAndMoney #JointFinances #UnequalIncome #FinancialFairness #EmployerMatch #RetirementGoals #MoneyConversations #PersonalFinance #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #MoneyForCouples #FinancialPlanning #WealthBuilding Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo