I'm moving in with my girlfriend soon - what expenses do I need to think about other than the obvious?

Question

Bills/Rent/Computer/Council Tax all costly! Then what??

Answer 1

Because you are not married, my best advice is to get an agreement in writing as to how and who is to pay what bills. Save all of your records. If the relationship does not work out, you could find yourself in a nasty situation requiring a lawyer and/or a court appearance to settle any financial disputes.

Good luck with your move.

Answer 2

Well... aside from the obvious

There are moving costs - a truck, feeding yourselves and anyone who'll be helping you (ie pizza etc) and providing drinks like beer or bottled water (go for the water - or all your stuff is going to be smashed up) ;or if you're hiring professionals to move you, there'll be that cost

Set up fees, of course (I don't know how it is where you are, but here when we open a new account, there's usually a one time fee aside from the monthly amount they charge for "administration" grumble)

Any new furniture or possessions that the two of you will need/want - like, both of your sofas are yucky, and you'd rather not move them, so you buy new instead. How about a bed? New dishes? Sometimes it's easier to buy new, matching stuff instead of moving the old things.

Of course, there will be lots of cost savings, too - combined groceries, splitting rent etc. Although your start up costs may be a little higher the first month, by month two you'll be doing much better, and most likely have lots MORE money! Remember too - anything that you guys have duplicates of can be sold, which will bring in a little more cash for doing things that the two of you want to do together.

And, wow - DON'T hide your true income from your girlfriend. What a great way to start your lives together on a deceitful foot. If you want to put some money aside, that's up to you - but for goodness sake. DON'T LIE TO HER ABOUT IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 3

I went through this exercise yesterday and came out with:

Mortgage (Read Rent)
Council tax
Water
House insurance
Pay protect insurance
Power & gas
Phone
Mobiles
Internet
Car Insurance
TV licence
Diesel
AA
Food
Entertainment

This all came to about £600 a month - not including the entertainment

Answer 4

Here's a list of mine:
Gas
Electric
Phone Calls
Line Rental
Internet
Mortgage
My life Insurance
His life Insurance
Water
Sky
Council Tax
Contents Insurance
Buildings Insurance
Mobile
Car
Petrol
Groceries
Savings
TV License

Answer 5

You should divide the bills cleanly. One takes rent, but both names should be on it, just in case, & the other takes the utilities, gas/oil, phone, cable/satelite. I wouldn't suggest combining checking or saving accounts, you can get into trouble that way if you break up. Don't own anything big together, just in case yo break up....work it like a business, it will be better when you break up. 99% of move ins break up...

Answer 6

Mind - do not tell her how much you really earn.. keep a few quid aside incase it goes pear shaped. Its going to set you back at least 3 quarters of your pretend take home pay...Just hand it over and get her to take care of the bills its less hassle for you too. Good Luck

Answer 7

Don't forget you guys anniversarys, birthdays, shopping-both groceries and recreational, unforseen medical expenses, and perhaps some put aside for your dream vacation! Remember, these are, of course, keeping a female, significant other, in mind!

Answer 8

Other than the obvious: phone, food, dining out or in, pet care (if she has any), things like curtains, bed covers, laundry expenses, personal hygiene items for her. Anything that you might have to get for your sister or mother.

Answer 9

cost of dinner parties for friends, good wine. This leads to new cutlery, new dinner service, tablecloth, perhaps even dining table and chairs, curtains, 3-piece suit, redecoration of the house.

Answer 10

Her things - underwear, lotions, oils, cosmetics, tights, fashion magazines, soaps, shampoos, conditioners, toilet paper, sanitary napkins, the list goes on and on and includes all those things that guys never, ever need or even think about - forget one thing and you are DONE - deadmeat