Running a Business with Your Spouse? Here’s How to Stay on Track—At Work and at Home

Running a business with your spouse can be incredibly rewarding—but let’s be honest, it’s not always easy. You live together, work together, and probably spend most of your free time together too. With that kind of closeness, it’s important to find balance, both personally and professionally. Here are a few practical tips to help your relationship and your business thrive.

1. Keep Family and Business Budgets Separate

Money is one of the top things couples argue about. When you mix a household budget with business expenses, things can get even more complicated. That’s why it’s smart to set clear budgets—one for your home and one for your business. Sit down together, talk openly, and agree on where the money goes. It’s all about communication and setting expectations ahead of time.

2. Don’t Let Work Take Over

When your business is always on your mind, it can be tough to “turn it off.” But making time for your personal relationship is just as important. Try this: only talk about work when you’re actually “at work.” If you work from home, set business hours and stick to them. After-hours should be about family, relaxation, and recharging.

3. Make Time for Your Own Hobbies

Spending time together is great—but having separate interests is healthy too. Whether it’s reading, playing tennis, crafting, or gardening, doing something just for yourself gives you space to reset. Research shows that hobbies reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve overall happiness.

4. Don’t Skip Your Estate Plan

If you own a business with your spouse, you need more than just a will. A good estate plan protects your family and your business, especially if something unexpected happens. Here are the basics:

✅ Revocable Living Trust

This type of trust lets your assets—including your business—pass directly to your loved ones without going through probate. You stay in full control while you’re alive, and you name a trusted person to take over if something happens to you. It also lets you say who should run your business after you’re gone.

✅ Financial Power of Attorney

Without this, your spouse may not be able to make financial decisions for you—even if they help run the business. A financial power of attorney lets you choose someone to act on your behalf if you can’t manage your own affairs.

✅ Medical Power of Attorney

The same idea applies to medical decisions. If you’re ever unable to speak for yourself, this document makes sure the person you trust most can speak for you.

✅ LLC or Business Entity Planning

If your business isn’t already set up as an LLC or other legal entity, now is a good time to consider it. These structures can offer tax benefits, liability protection, and make transferring ownership easier—especially when paired with a living trust.

Final Thoughts

Marriage and business both take effort. But with the right tools in place—including a solid estate plan—you can protect what matters most and build a strong future together.

Need help getting started? Call our office today to schedule a consultation. We’ll guide you through the steps to protect your family, your business, and your peace of mind.