Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Money & Business

Alpha Consumer by Kimberly Palmer

Quiz: Are You Ready to Move in Together?

July 22, 2008 10:08 AM ET | Kimberly Palmer | Permanent Link | Print

In theory, living together is romantic—no more schlepping clothes and toothbrushes back and forth between homes. But in reality, it can quickly turn into a financial nightmare, especially if you and your partner have different spending habits and, in the worst case scenario, end up breaking up after sharing furniture, a house, and perhaps even a dog.

To help you decide if you're ready to take your relationship to the next level, take this Alpha Consumer quiz. (You can find more tips on getting along financially with your new roommate here. You can also take previous quizzes on whether you're ready to get married or have a baby.)

  1. Have you discussed how you will share expenses, including whether the higher earner will contribute more to household costs such as food and housing?
  2. Do you know whether your partner has any credit card debt, and if so, how much?
  3. If moving in means you will start sharing any major assets, such as a home or car, are the terms of that arrangement in writing, including who will pay for upkeep?
  4. Have you decided how you would share jointly purchased assets and pets in the event of a break-up?
  5. Do you know if you will open a shared bank account or keep all your money separate?
  6. Could you name your partner's top financial goal and describe where he wants to be financially in five years?

Explanation of points:

0 to 2 points: Financial advisers would recommend that you get better prepared before moving in together. If talking about money feels awkward, go to a coffee shop or somewhere else "neutral" before broaching the subject. Financial Infidelity author Bonnie Eaker Weil suggests avoiding criticism of your partner's financial decisions and instead focusing on expressing your own concerns without judgment of the partner's decisions.

3 to 5 points: You're on your way to a healthy financial relationship. You may want to consider taking it to the next level by getting more details, perhaps in writing, about what would happen to your home and belongings if you were to break up with your partner. Financial advisers say it's much easier to have this discussion at the start of the relationship than at the end.

6 points: Have fun shacking up—you've taken all the necessary (financial) precautions.

 

How did you score on the quiz? Our friends at Betty Confidential want to know.

Tags: personal finance | relationships

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Reader Comments

Why not just get married

Moving in together is today's reality, but it does not match

my religious beliefs. Plus, it lessens marital success (the

statiticians say).

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Kimberly Palmer, senior editor for U.S. News & World Report, writes about how to save money, avoid scams, manage debt, and be a savvy shopper. Share with her your own money issues by sending questions to alphaconsumer@usnews.com.

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