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Sh*t happens, and you don’t want to be caught with your pants down
One of my friends and their partner are going through a breakup and experiencing some financial troubles. They can’t live together anymore because it’s too stressful and no longer a safe or healthy environment for them to do so, which means they’ll have to cancel the lease or consider other options.
The tricky part is neither of them is financially stable. They’re interdependent and unable to support themselves financially without the help of the other.
How To Break A Lease Without Financial Burden
I’ve had to break a lease twice before due to moves and the end of a relationship. Usually, a broken lease comes with fees; if you can’t afford the lease fee, ask your complex for a payment plan, so you and your ex can both make payments on it. Many complexes are willing to offer payment plans, so the financial burden is manageable.
I’ve been in a situation where I was left to pay the entire cancellation fee after a split. I could have chosen to feel bitter about it, but I chose to use it as an opportunity to help them since they were less financially stable.
How To Avoid Financially Messy Breakups
Messy breakups can be tricky – especially when money is involved. Here are my recommendations:
Avoid being in these situations altogether by maintaining financial independence. Whether you’re in a relationship or not, it’s critical that you never rely financially on your partner and can take care of yourself if the relationship doesn’t last.
Maintain separate bank accounts. Having a shared bank account is okay, but always have a spare one of your own.
Establish an emergency fund. When you have an emergency fund, you offer yourself breathing room to figure out your next move without having a heavy financial burden.
Continue working. If your partner makes excellent money and is willing to cover all expenses, still maintain your own income source. You never know when you might need it.
Not every relationship ends in breakup status. Sometimes, partners lose mobility, pass away, you mutually decide friendship is the better path, or you lose an income source.
No matter what happens within your relationship, the goal is never to position yourself, so you are financially reliant on the other person. Maintain your independence, or you might find yourself in a financial bind at some point. Some people get extremely lucky and never have to think about these things, but if we’re being realistic, at some point, you are likely to need to have your own financial sh*t because things happen.
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.