Moving in with your boyfriend is definitely exciting and scary at the same time! I’ve had a rough experience and that is why I am sharing this very important information with you !
If you would rather watch a video version of this post, I’ve got you covered !
Top 4 tips to consider
The following tips are what really stuck with me and what will help you make the SMART decisions before you move in with your boyfriend.
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Tip #1 Talk about money before you move in
Before moving in with your boyfriend, the topic of money should be something that you can talk about. Doing this BEFORE you make the decision to move in is essential for your relationship to last. One of the top reasons marriages do not last, has a lot to do with money.
If you are about to move in with your special someone, and you have not spoken about money, there is a HUGE problem. Let this be your warning and take some time to talk to them about money. Some questions to keep in mind are: “What is your relationship with money?” “Would you rather spend money or save money?” “How do you feel about debt?” “What does your debt and credit look like?” Definitely make this conversation about each other and not just about one person.
Tip #2 Save an emergency fund before moving in
Emergency funds are that cool way to become less stressed in any situation. that requires, you guessed it, MONEY!
Saving up at the very least 3 months of living expenses in a completely different bank account that you can easily access in any emergency is vital to have. I cannot express this step enough! Not only will you have money saved for emergencies, but you will also have enough money saved in the event you want to move out.
Step #3 Do your research
I am sure that you know who your boyfriend is (or at least I hope you do). Doing a little digging to know their past is important before you move in with your boyfriend. You want to know what their past relationships looked like, if they had any trouble with the law, or even if they have children, what do those relationships look like.
I’m not saying to stalk this person or get into their business, but if you intend on sharing a home, laying your head next to theirs, and splitting finances, then you should really know who this person is.
Tip # 4 Make SMART money moves
Consider every situation and make it smart. What I mean by this is to always put your best foot first. Think about your future self and what she will thank you for when it comes to making financial decisions.
- Make sure everyone sharing the space is on the lease, that way everyone involved is held responsible.
- If you do not want them on the lease, make sure you can afford the place on your own with your own money. You don’t want to rent an apartment that you cannot afford. what happens if you break up? You will have to figure out how you are going to pay the monthly rent. Lets just say it is not a great feeling.
- If you are buying furniture, DO NOT finance it by yourself unless you will be the only one making the payments. No one wants to be in a fight about who is taking the love seat and who is taking the sofa. If you made all the payments, the furniture will stay with you. If you end up financing different things under your name only and the relationship doesn’t work, good luck getting that person to help pay off the debt.
- Any decision to use your credit, money, property, etc should be done the smart way where both parties are equally responsible unless you are like me and don’t mind owning and paying everything on your own.
Last things to consider
Don’t get me wrong, splitting things with your partner makes everything easy and affordable. Making the decision to move in with your boyfriend can be a great learning experience. The problem is when you find yourself in a toxic relationship. Not having enough money to move out or accumulating debt that wasn’t yours can destroy your future. Getting bad remarks on your credit and experiencing eviction are all consequences to not making smart financial decisions.
This article is mainly for couples that are starting out and have never moved out before. Things change once you get married! Marriage brings a different view to moving and buying things together because you are basically considered one.
Until next time y’all!
