This piece is part of my 2016–2026 archive migration. Some original formatting, content, and external links may be missing, changed, or not be optimized.
Maybe it’s not love like you think. Maybe it’s convenience.
Well, that’s all good and dandy, except it can also be a dangerous game to play.
Here’s how it often goes:
Two people start financially independent and then become financially dependent on each other because their lifestyle/expenses creep up with the “additional income” or “discount.”
Or
Two people already financially struggling, shackle up, and hurt themselves even more financially.
There are positive stories of two people coming together and f*cking crushing the game of money, but we all know that’s not the typical story for most people.
Most people want to spend…
Most people want to delay investing…
Most people want to live above their means…
Most people don’t want to live financially disciplined…
This is the truth.
So Is It Romance, Or Do You Want To Save Some Money?
For many, it can start with romance, but it becomes a financial entanglement.
A couple is no longer able to do things without the other.
In many cases, a couple can’t even separate if the relationship is unhealthy because they’re financially dependent on one another.
We call this financial co-dependence.
If you’re in a relationship and cohabitating today, ask yourself a few questions:
Would I survive if I didn’t live with my partner financially?
Have I added or subtracted debt since I entered this relationship?
Would I maintain the same spending habits if I weren’t in this relationship?
Are my partner and I on the same page about money, or do our financial values misalign?
Would I have to downgrade my lifestyle if I didn’t share expenses and income with my partner?
If you’re in a relationship and considering cohabitation, explore how the change might affect you financially.
Are you cohabiting for financial gain, for true love, or both? Are you cohabiting because you’re in desperate financial need?
Consider everything. Apply more logic than emotion.
The Best Position To Be In
Ideally, you want to live as you desire without needing another person.
Your person should enhance your life but not become your financial crutch.
Maintaining financial independence is healthy for a relationship to thrive and not get overly complex and inundated with financial drama.
Many relationships end or encounter turmoil because of financial strain, financial codependency, and financial misalignment.
Prioritize your financial independence and avoid unhappy situations. If you’re going to move in, do it right and ensure your financial values align and you’re not giving up your financial independence.
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.