Relationships and money – Money matters in a relationship

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Making plans to move in with your partner or share finances can be exciting. Knowing your financial and legal responsibilities, and where to get help if you need it, can make your life together run more smoothly.

Talk about your finances

The earlier you start talking about your finances with your partner, the better.

Understand each other’s general attitude to money, and be clear about your financial goals — both short and long term. Knowing these things can help build a strong foundation for a healthy relationship — with each other and with money.

See where you both stand financially

Chances are you’re both in different financial situations, with different incomes, assets and debts. To understand where you’re both at financially, make a list of your combined:

  • income
  • regular expenses
  • assets, including your house and car
  • super and investments
  • debts and loans

Decide on your goals

Agree on your financial — and relationship — goals. Be clear about what you want and when, so you can work together to get there.

If you plan to get married, buy a house or have children, think about how you can save.

You might need to agree to cut back on expenses and reduce your debts before you can start saving.

Moving in together

Deciding to live together is a serious step. It might not sound romantic, but being clear about finances can save hassles later on.

If this is the first time you’ve lived independently, learn about the costs that come with moving out of home.

Do a budget

Before you find a place to live, do a budget together. This will give you a clear picture of your combined income and regular expenses. It’s also a great way to help you reach your shared savings goals.

Sort out who pays for what

Talk about how you’ll split expenses and who’s responsible for paying bills, rent and other regular payments.

If you both sign the lease for a rental property, then you’re both responsible for the rent. Also decide if want to add both your names to utility services like electricity, gas, water and the internet.

Sharing money and debt

Before you share a bank account or get a credit card with your partner, make sure you know the risks and responsibilities. Don’t rush into it or sign anything you’re unsure about.

Joint bank account

Opening a joint bank account can make it easier to pay for shared expenses. It also means you both know how much money you have. But there are risks.

Shared credit card

Having a joint credit card means the card is in both your names, so you’re both responsible for making repayments.

You need to trust each other to not overspend. If you can’t keep up with card repayments, it will affect both of your credit scores. You both have to agree if you want to cancel the card.

Another option is to have primary and secondary credit cards. One person is the main cardholder, and the other is a secondary holder with their own card. The primary cardholder is solely responsible for any debt on the card. They can cancel it without the other person’s permission.

Shared loans

If you need to borrow money, think carefully about getting a loan in both your names. Understand that when you do:

  • You are also both responsible for repaying the debt.
  • You both own the portion that’s been paid off.

Be extremely cautious about putting your name or going guarantor on a loan that is solely for your partner. For example, a loan for their business. If things go wrong, you risk having to pay it all back.

Financial agreement or prenup

If you have assets you want to protect, such as property or super, you can ask your partner to sign a binding financial agreement. This is also known as a prenup.

A financial agreement sets out how your assets and money are divided if your relationship breaks down. It also explains what financial support you or your partner gets.

For the agreement to be binding, you both have to sign it and have sought legal and financial advice before signing.

Planning for your financial future

If you’re serious about sharing your finances, you may want to consider:

  • Making or updating your will to add your partner as a beneficiary.
  • Updating your insurance policies to reflect your status as a couple, for example, couples health insurance and life insurance.
  • Updating your super to change your beneficiary details, and looking at how you can grow your super together
  • Checking if being in a relationship (either married or de facto) affects your Centrelink payments or benefits.
  • Checking any changes you need to make with your tax return. For example, Medicare levy, offsets and other declarations or entitlements. The Australian Tax Office (ATO) has more information.

Get help if you need it

If you and your partner need help with debt or budgeting, please get in touch.

If money issues are causing problems, then a relationship counsellor may be able to help you. For a list of relationship support services, see:

If you’re uncomfortable with the way your partner controls money, this may be a sign of financial abuse. You can get support.

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Wealthness Pty Ltd ABN 13 231 248 112  [t/a Better Financial Planning Australia]  is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd ABN 47 097 797 049 AFSL No. 236523. It is important to be aware that Better Financial Planning Australia is not authorised by Infocus to provide advice relating to credit services or property advice. Infocus is not responsible for any advice outside of the scope of this authorisation and should you wish to act on any of this general information, please first seek professional financial advice.

Wealthness Pty Ltd t/as Better Financial Planning Australia will endeavour to update the website as needed. However, information can change without notice and Wealthness Pty Ltd t/as Better Financial Planning Australia does not guarantee the accuracy of information on the website, including information provided by third parties, at any time.

This information is of a general nature only and neither represents nor is intended to be specific advice on any particular matter. Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd strongly suggests that no person should act specifically on the basis of the information contained herein but should seek appropriate professional advice based upon their own personal circumstances. Although we consider the sources for this material reliable, no warranty is given and no liability is accepted for any statement or opinion or for any error or omission.

Wealthness Pty Ltd t/as Better Financial Planning Australia does not give any warranty as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of information which is contained in this website. Except insofar as any liability under statute cannot be excluded, Wealthness Pty Ltd t/as Better Financial Planning Australia and its employees do not accept any liability for any error or omission on this website or for any resulting loss or damage suffered by the recipient or any other person.

Wealthness Pty Ltd (ACN 613 313 250) [t/a Better Financial Planning Australia] Corporate Authorised Representative of Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd ABN 47 097 797 049 AFSL Licence No. 236523.

Source: ASIC MoneySmart

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