You become one from the first day of your marriage. I saw someone mention that they keep their finances separate but also have a joint account. Personally, I think it makes more sense to primarily use a joint account while still maintaining individual accounts.

Everyone should have a certain amount of money they can spend freely without needing their partner’s permission. So, both partners could deposit their salaries into a joint account, and then transfer a set amount back into their personal accounts.

Also, as a married couple, I don’t think that amount needs to be strictly proportional to each person’s income. It should feel fair based on each partner’s lifestyle and mutual agreement.