What do you need to think about before moving in together? Have this conversation WITH your partner.

The transition into living together/marriage can be such an easy one financially if you work on this before-hand. Personally, I don’t think you should live with someone if you are not comfortable enough to talk about finances.

Let’s talk about 10 things you need to do…

1. Know the cost of everything before moving in together, because both people have to be cool with it. What are your priorities? Talk about this before you move in to be sure you’re on the same page. Also, decide how you are splitting everything. Will it be 50-50? 70-30? Agree on this to avoid arguments down the road.
2. Put both names on everything.
3. Decide who is paying what… whose card is being charged? Whose name is on that card? The partner of the payer also needs to have a due date – the date by which he/she pays the person whose card is being charged. No more “hey, can you pay me for rent?” It’s already taken care of.
4. Budget for things that you split. For example, “we’re going to spend $100 on groceries” – that way you both know it’s going to be 50 bucks a piece.
5. Talk about any big purchase ahead of time. Don’t split big things if you’re not on the same page.
6. Have a card that you put all of your entertainment on. Then whatever is on it, split it. Of course, you’ve already talked about what’s going to be on that so there are no surprises when the bill comes.
7. Be open with your own personal finances.
8. Even if you have separate finances, you’re on the same page with your financial goals. Be sure your priorities are aligned.
9. You owe each other as little as possible. Stay on top of what you owe each other.
10. Have a money date. Make it fun. It shouldn’t be like ugggg… it should be fun and easy!

Do this together. Be on the same page. Feel free to disagree with me, as long as you agree with each other!