Figure out money first if moving in together

My girlfriend and I are moving in together and we need — and want — to have the big discussion regarding finances. Neither of us make a ton of money, but at the moment, I am making more than her. We’re not married and we’re not even talking about getting engaged. We just were ready to move in.

- LISI TESHER

What do you think is the best way to go about this?

Fair Finances Obviously (I hope) you have found a place you can both afford. The division of money depends on the difference in earnings between you two. Let’s say, for the sake of discussion, you make twice as much as she does. You can afford twice the amount in bills. So if your rent is $1,000 a month, instead of each paying $500, you should pay more. Or you could pay the whole rent and she could pay her portion equivalent in utilities.

Or you could each put half of your paycheque in a joint account which would then be the account you use to pay rent, utilities, etc.

It’s definitely important to try to work things out from the start, with an understanding that everything can change.

Feedback Regarding the grossed-out mom (Aug. 1):