She moved from a small town in Illinois to SF bay area. I have given her a free half month in Aug, her Sept will also be free. In October I want her to contribute $500 per month towards housing expenses (includes utilities). I also want her to split grocery expenses. Should I also ask her to contribute towards going out expenses --- such as movies, shows etc? She will be making close to $3000 per month in her job as a start (and maybe progressing higher). I own my house and the mortgage alone is over $2K. Tell me what is fair?
2006-09-03 12:56:24 · 17 answers · asked by RZCalif 1 in Family & Relationships ➔ Friends
Probably the most fair way would be to split the expenses proportionately based on your incomes. For example, if one of you makes twice as much as the other, the one making more should pay two-thirds of the expenses; the other one-third.
You could split your expenses for going out along the same lines.
On the other hand, since it's *your* house (and your tax advantage), one could make the case that mortgage expenses should be excluded from her share.
2006-09-03 13:03:23 · answer #1 · answered by johntadams3 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Is that $3000 net or gross? That changes things...are you making far more money than her? If that is $3000 net, that's an average of $750 per week take home. I'm thinking everything is 50/50...unless she's in debt. However, if its gross, then her take home is probably only about $530 a week. And if she has car payment, gas prices are astronomical, car insurance, and maybe a small credit card balance (hey, all women love to shop!) your offer sounds reasonable. Only the two of you, know whats affordable to either of you.. just keep in mind, that if she's paying you what you offer, are you really okay with that? It seems to me that you want more, that's why you're asking us. Just a speculation.
2006-09-03 13:07:42 · answer #2 · answered by truthbetold 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well I think 50/50 is always fair. However your mortgage was already 2K I don't think it's fair to ask her to pay 1/2 of that. I don't think the amount she makes is really an issue either but she must pay something. Half of the bills and food should be sufficient but not when you got out only one of you should pay. Take turns when you go out who pays for the night.
2006-09-03 13:04:16 · answer #3 · answered by Janet lw 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you need to talk together and work out a reasonable expense tally so you'll both be comfortable about it. You just don't tell someone, you talk it over like two adults and work it out it so it's best for both of you. Go easy , explaining and recieving information and if you two are a couple, you my dear should pay as any genltemen would when taking a lady out for the evening. This arrangement should not be about who makes what .
2006-09-03 13:03:47 · answer #4 · answered by Louisa R 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it would be fair to ask her to split all expenses. Now, going out could be a little tricky.
You may want to take her out on a "date" occasionally and not ask her to pay half. But, you need to set the limits clear at the start or you may end up paying for everything.
2006-09-03 13:00:14 · answer #5 · answered by JJ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well I think 500 is enough as long as she is paying for own stuff. Like the personal needs,if she goes out, her stuff she shouldn't have to pay your stuff just because she is making good money that is taking advantage of a person. As long as she is supporting herself and cleans behind herself. If she is making that kind of money and you start taking advantage of her she might as well get her own place and then what will you do. She is kinda helping you out a bit because that is an extra 500 dollars a month. Don't be greedy!
2006-09-03 13:19:03 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You're her boyfriend, if you're living together and going out to places, I think you should pay for dinner and movies sometimes. If both of what she's contributing and what you're paying for the bills works, then you should take her out and pay sometimes. If you run short on cash or something happens where the house needs repairs, have her pay for the movies, dinner, entertainment, etc. Everything else you described seemed fair. I think it'll work out.
2006-09-03 13:04:23 · answer #7 · answered by Jenna 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thats something you should have had resolved before she moved in she may think she shouldn't pay anything but if she was a real women you wouldn't have to ask her she would ask you and about the going out expenses come on thats a little bit too much you should always pay unless she say baby i got it
2006-09-03 13:00:59 · answer #8 · answered by tpchick22 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If she's your live-in girlfriend I thhink you're past the "Going Dutch" on dates point. But sit her down and let her know you'd like to split it with her. Or she could take over groceries and gas. Be like a married couple about it. Good luck.
2006-09-03 13:08:49 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fair is half. I mean of the total expences. If you ask her out for a date (yes even if she is living with you) you pay. Any normal girl knows not to expect to live somewhere for nothing.
2006-09-03 13:02:28 · answer #10 · answered by Mimi 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋