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.
If you’re going to do it: Here’s how to do it right and how to do it wrong
Let’s face it: one of the primary reasons couples move in together is not because of L.O.V.E.; they want that 50% discount.
Okay, maybe part of the reason is love (or infatuation) and the desire to spend every waking moment together, but many of you can’t deny you’ve had the following thought lurking in your mind….
Residing together with your partner has financial perks.
No shame. No shame.
But let’s take it a step further.
The 50% Discount Done Wrong
Some of you try to claim you’re into Equality and egalitarian relationships and you never want there to be any imbalance of power, etc., but in reality, you simply don’t want to spend all of your money, or you’re already strapped and could use some financial help (which is frequently accurate), or you don’t want to add another job or income source to increase your disposable income, you want to leverage someone else (an easy win).
The first warning sign that you should not move in with your partner is when you need to move in with your partner; this is the first step to creating a financially codependent relationship, which is a big no-no if you want to cultivate a healthy relationship.
Many people don’t have savings or enough investments. Many people don’t have emergency funds. Many people are drowning in debt. Many people are financially struggling. If you fall into any of these categories, you might want to consider getting your financial sh*t together first before moving in with your partner and either straining their finances because of your bad financial habits or entangling your bad financial habits with their bad financial habits.
Always go into a relationship with sound finances. Financial disagreements are key elements that cause divorce and separation in relationships.
The 50% Discount Done Right
If you decide to take the leap and move in with your partner, there are a few ways to do it right:
First, make sure you actually know, love, and appreciate the person. Be sure you have a clear idea of how it is to spend considerable time with and around them so you’re setting yourselves up for a successful living situation.
Second, have plenty of conversations about money. What is their philosophy on money? Are they currently on or off track with their financial goals? Are they spenders or savers? What do they like to spend their money on? Are they financially strapped? Do they need your income to live a certain way? Do they live above or below their means? You get the picture. Dive into the details and get pedantic (in a good way). Money is one of those subjects that hit differently. Talk about money!
Thirdly, if you move in with them, find a way to live off only one income and save and invest the rest. Or both of you can live on 50% of your incomes to build exponential savings and wealth. Also, take advantage of the extra savings to pay down any remaining debts instead of adding debt.
Fourth, you have a fantastic opportunity to save more whenever you move in with someone. But it’s soooooooooooo easy to start living above your means because of the additional income you have access to now living with the love of your life. However, that additional income can disappear quickly when you forget the opportunity you have. Keep your expenses low. Don’t jeopardize the opportunity by living above your means and adding expenses.
If a person ever pressures you to move in or needs you to move in, there might be some financial motives behind it. Never place yourself in a worse situation by moving in with someone who needs you financially. But also avoid shacking up with people because you need them financially. Both situations are lose-lose situations – unless you get lucky.
Just remember, when you need someone financially, you subject yourself to having less control over your life and decisions, and you also make it harder to leave if you ever need to exit stage left because, hey, sometimes things go a different direction than you planned.
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This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.