“You Are in Business, Not Marriage”: SA Reacts to Lady’s Unconventional Breakdown of Splitting Bills

• A woman shared a detailed breakdown of how she and her partner split their monthly expenses, sparking widespread discussion online
• The couple's approach to splitting bills is unconventional, with varying percentages applied to different expenses
• The post has triggered a wave of reactions, with people sharing their thoughts on the fairness and practicality of the couple's financial arrangement
• Briefly News spoke with financial expert Fulufhelani Mashapha on how couples may divide financial responsibilities differently

A woman revealed how she and her partner split their monthly expenses, sparking a wide online debate.

In the video posted by the woman herself under the handle @georgiacoutts1 on TikTok, the young lady broke down their financial contributions in detail. For rent, her partner covers 55% while she contributes 45%. When it comes to utilities, such as water and electricity, the couple splits the bill equally at 50% each.

The biggest difference in contribution comes with groceries, where @georgiacoutts1 revealed that she pays 90% while her partner only contributes 10%. For takeaways, the man takes on 70% of the cost, leaving her with 30%. On date nights, the split remains the same, with the man covering 70% and her 30%.

She further explained that personal costs such as mobile phone bills, car payments, and similar expenses are paid individually, with each partner taking care of their own. While taking to her TikTok caption, social media @georgiacoutts1 simply said the following:

"We split our joint expenses in a way that works for us. Not very structured, though, rent and utilities are the only ones that stay the same."

The breakdown has triggered a wave of reactions online since it was published on 26 August 2025 on TikTok. Some users praised the couple for having a clear and structured approach to their finances, noting that every relationship requires balance and compromise. Others, however, questioned whether the split was truly fair, particularly pointing out the uneven grocery contributions.

Others argued that the arrangement works as long as both partners are satisfied and comfortable with their roles.

The post highlighted how couples today are navigating shared responsibilities in different ways. While traditional norms once placed the bulk of financial pressure on men, modern relationships are increasingly redefining how expenses are divided.

Tips on dividing household expenses in relationships

While speaking to Briefly News, financial expert Fulufhelani Mashapha shared how couples may divide financial responsibilities differently, with one couple sharing rent, utilities, and personal costs equally but having uneven contributions to groceries and takeaways.

This raises the question of whether this is an effective approach to managing household expenses and how it might impact long-term financial health and relationship dynamics, with Mashapha adding:

"There’s no one-size-fits-all for couples, but fairness and transparency are key. If one partner contributes more toward groceries while the other covers rent or utilities, it can work as long as both feel the arrangement is equitable and sustainable."

She added:

"The financial risk comes in when one person consistently carries more of the load without open communication — it can create resentment or imbalance. Couples should consider their income levels, financial goals, and lifestyle choices when dividing expenses. Ultimately, it’s not just about splitting bills; it’s about building healthy financial habits together."

Netizens react to couple's way of splitting bills

The online community took to the comments section to share their thoughts on the couple.

Igsaan said:

"That's cool, but I prefer to pay for everything, bond, food, school fees, fuel .....everything. As a man ...It's my job to take care of my wife and kids, period."

Cake Oclock Ug expressed:

"Sister, you are in business, not marriage."

Amberr.. 111 shared:

"Eeekk! Not for me!! My husband pays for everything, and my money is my money."

Nompilo wrote:

"I can never."

David shared:

"African women left the comment section."

Joy Lucy Muthoni cracked a joke, saying:

"My sister, find a wife; you are already a husband."

Watch the video below:

More on couples splitting the cost

• Briefly News reported that one South African woman took to social media to share a post revealing how she and her boyfriend split their bills.
• Emmanuelle, a development practitioner and impact consultant, and Ntsako, the founder and designer of a software firm, credit their financial success to a policy of total transparency.
• Mrs. Mulaudzi shared some of her golden tips to make a marriage healthy and happy for both partners, as she got candid about their finances.

Source: Briefly News