 TITLE: When Should I Combine Finances With My Partner? CONTENT: Explore Household Budgeting Options\n-----------------------------------\nNow it's time to consider the specifics. There are multiple ways to budget as a couple. The best route is the one you both feel comfortable with, and that allows for a fair split based on your earnings.\nSome options include splitting everything 50-50, where each partner contributes half the cost for all shared expenses each month, or a split in which each partner contributes an equal percentage of their income. That way, if one partner earns significantly more than the other, the lower-earning partner does not contribute more than they can afford.\nHow to cover expenses can be another tricky subject. You may decide to set up a joint checking account, where each partner will send a certain amount each month so you can pay for shared expenses from that account. Or one partner can schedule an automatic transfer for rent and utilities each month to the other partner, for instance, who then makes the payments. Yet another option is to keep a running tally of each partner's contributions to the household—cleaning products bought, furniture ordered and the like—and to settle up at the end of the month.\nIn general, it's practical to combine finances to the point at which you can both enjoy the convenience of knowing your bills will be comfortably covered. For items you truly share, such as rent, groceries, household utilities or gas, come up with a system that allows you to pay for them as a unit.\nBut for other expenses, such as personal care, clothes and technology, there's no rush to merge finances. Some couples keep these expenses separate even after marriage; others consider all household charges to be shared. But keep in mind that if you use a credit card, how to pay for shared debt should be part of your ongoing money conversation. END