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Money Moral Dilemma: My partner eats more than me, so should he pay more of our food shopping costs?

MSE_Kelvin
MSE_Kelvin Posts: 427 MSE Staff
Eighth Anniversary 10 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
edited 10 June 2025 at 3:05PM in Food shopping & groceries
This week's MoneySaver who wants advice asks...

My husband and I both work full-time and contribute equally to our household expenses, including food shopping. But he eats far more than me - both in terms of portion size when we cook together, and by having breakfast at home when I don't, as well as by eating sides with meals and snacks in between. Should I ask him to contribute more to the household budget? Given how food prices have increased, it's become a growing part of our expenses.

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Comments

  • I wouldn't worry about it.

    I think you'll find that his money is his.  And your money is his too.  
  • tastyhog
    tastyhog Posts: 874 Forumite
    Eighth Anniversary 500 Posts Name Dropper
    Sure, and you can pay more for your hour long showers and baths, more for water to water your plants / garden
  • I empathise a little here. My husband spends £24 per week, on coffee pods, and he's the only one that drinks coffee. Plus at least £15 on alcohol per week in the shopping. Our weekly shopping is around £70 (4 kids and us). I'm super tight with money, and shop really smart... 

    I'm not gonna lie, when I only drink water, or at a push, squash i do feel annoyed. I did say, his luxuries like alcohol is an him issue, he buys himself - but I let the coffee slide just to prevent resentment. 
  • No! It is not his fault that you choose not to have breakfast at home and if he has bigger portions than you it’s because his body needs them(unless he’s just a pig) if how ever he is adding things to the shopping basket that he knows you do not eat then maybe ask him to pay for those separately but you should also do the same with stuff you buy but he does not like.
  • Who does the actual shopping ? If it’s you then you are enabling it. 
  • Vitor
    Vitor Posts: 1,212 Forumite
    1,000 Posts First Anniversary Photogenic Name Dropper
    Most men would be quite happy to have the C/H set around 18°C which would save a fortune in fuel bills
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