Living together?

Question

How do you contribute your financial effect into a serious relationship when gf and bf living together? what is your decision about everyday's expenses?
Both in average level income.

Do you think everything need go half half? because people doesnt earn the same amount of money.

Answer 1

Draw up a budget. For example put aside a set amout each week for your power, phone, rent etc and each pay half of this. Allow yourself 'pocket' money and any that is left over (if any!) you can save for the future. This is how my fiancee and I do it.

Answer 2

You should split the household costs. (Determine a ratio up front, put it in writing and develop a written budget.) These are the costs that you both NEED. Such as the rent, utilities, phone, etc. You should also split those costs that you both use, such as the newspaper, Cable bill, etc.

It gets a bit trickier with the food, as there are items that one will use that the other doesn't. One might be a coffee drinker, while the other only drinks soda. Setting a budget will help with that. If the budget is exceeded, then you need to raise the budget item or separate out the items that only one person uses and have them buy them separately.