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Slow down people before sharing the money
When you share finances with your partner too quickly, you could end up over-relying on each other’s income to live a particular lifestyle.
You might feel more motivated to obtain housing and luxury items you wouldn’t consider alone. But because your income has doubled or tripled, you feel extra comfy and financially liberated.
Don’t fall for this trap.
When you do eventually split your finances, live within your means. You don’t have to increase your standard of living because you have extra cash flow and slashed housing costs.
2. Learn your partner’s financial habits.
Instead of moving to share finances with your partner so quickly, take time to understand how they spend and utilize their money.
Here are some questions to chat about with your partner:
Do they utilize a budget?
Do they have anything in collections?
Do they complete their taxes each year?
Do they have a lot of debt that could have been avoided?
Do they understand money and educate themselves on it?
Do they live below their means or spend more than they earn?
3. Do they NEED to share finances with you?
Unfortunately, some partners rush to share finances with you because they need help asap.
Avoid sharing any finances with this type of partner, or you could end up in a very unhealthy, stressful, burdensome, and inconvenient financial situation.
4. What’s their lifestyle like?
The fancy apartment and nice car are all cool beans, but do they have anything in their bank or investment accounts?
Are they all show, or do they actually invest in their financial portfolio?
Many people show off their stuff to partners early to entice them, but it sucks when you find out they’re BROKE AF.
5. Do they pay their bills on time?
If your partner struggles to pay their bills on time now, don’t expect them to pay their bills on time when you two start sharing finances.
The average person doesn’t improve their habits in a relationship; often, habits get worse or stay the same.
Accept people for who they are at face value.
6. What’s their net worth look like?
Most people have a negative net worth that isn’t climbing anywhere. If a person maintains a negative net worth and is not investing, saving, or paying down debt, they’re most likely spending.
Learn about the net worth of your partner (whether it’s positive or negative early on). This type of information can help you understand how they handle their money and where they are headed.
35 Signs Your Partner Is Financially Incompetent
Uh oh, is your romantic buddy a financial mismatch?medium.
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.