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When my partner and I (two guys) moved in together 14 years ago (and moved across the country), I had insisted on keeping all our finances separate and all expenses shared equally.  This proved to be a huge mistake as once we landed in Oregon 10 years ago, my partner was making 5 time what I made so I was never able to contribute in equal amounts to our spending. 

About 8/9 years ago we combined our finances, credit cards, checking accounts.  I think that really saved our relationship as we took on the attitude of OUR pile of money regardless of how much each of us contributed.  I didn't have to feel inferior any longer with regards to keeping up.  I no longer feel like I have to keep up and I don't have to accrue credit card debt to help with expenses while my partner establishes large amounts of savings.  We pay OUR bills from the pile and save together.

Money still becomes an issue from time to time as my income has diminished due to the economy - but the problems are ones we solve together.

posted 3 years, 6 months ago
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