I would be inclined to interpret "They spend $1,250 a month" as meaning they each spend $1250 a month, not that they save as a couple, are a couple, or even know each other. Let "a" be Andrew's monthly income. "Sarah earns $525 more than Andrew each month" so Sarah's monthly income is a+ 525. If Sarah spends $1250 a month, she saves a+ 525- 1250= a- 725. "Sarah does not have any savings at first. After 11 months, she has $8,250 in savings." So 11(a- 725)= 11a- 7975= 8250. Solve that for a. (Andrew needs to find a better paying job!)