Agree with
@Howiestern 1000% on this.
My fiancé moved in with me. We split the housing costs (rent) straight down the middle. I buy the food (that way I don’t catch crap for buying more expensive organic food, which I have always done, and I have 2 teens under our roof who eat said organic food). He actually doesn’t eat lots of groceries at home and I keep the beer he likes on hand (expensive craft stouts typically), which he appreciates.
He also pays 1/3 of the bills. That way he is contributing but again, I’ve got 2 teens using water & power, plus I don’t want him to be the HVAC police if I want to run the AC or heater. His utility amount is consistent and I cover overage to account for my kids and preferences.
He pays 100% of TV costs and his own cell phone, I pay 100% of Internet costs plus cell phones for myself & the kids. He pays for 80% to 90% trip costs when we travel for his sporting events, we generally split costs on vacation travel & we wing it on going out. Sometimes he pays more often, sometimes I do.
If/when we buy a property together, I’m going to require an equity arrangement like Howie based on financial contribution. If I am getting the loan and putting up the entire down payment then he will not get a 50% ownership interest, even if we split the mortgage. That is too much financial risk to me. I’d go 25-30% and expect him to pay more of the mortgage so over time he gains equity. We can always adjust ownership share.
He will sign a prenup and will have zero interest in my business endeavors and income real estate assets. And I shoulder all expenses there as well.
And if he wouldn’t do the above? C’ya.
The person with the gold makes the rules. Howie is that person in his relationship, I am that person in mine.
No way you let someone freeload. Nope.