How To Manage Money as a Couple When Moving In Together

Moving in together is a big and exciting step. You are probably already picturing slow Sunday mornings, choosing where the plants will go, and building that shared bookshelf you have always wanted. Somewhere in the middle of all that daydreaming sits a topic that feels a little less romantic: money.

It might feel awkward at first, but talking about finances does not have to be difficult. Think of it as part of building a life together. With a bit of planning, you can start this new chapter on the same page and leave more space for the fun parts of moving in.

Start with an honest conversation

Before you start browsing apartments, take a moment to talk openly about money. You do not need spreadsheets. The goal is simply to understand each other’s financial habits and feelings.

Ask each other questions like:

• What does money mean to me?

• Am I more of a saver or a spender?

• What are my financial goals?

Getting a clear picture of your spending can make the conversation easier. With features like Easy Budgeting, you can both see where your money goes each month. This helps you understand your spending habits before planning things together.

Make shared spending simple with a Joint Account

Once you are ready to combine some of your finances, a Joint Account can make day to day life much smoother. It gives you a shared balance for everything you split, from rent and utilities to groceries and that new couch you both love.

Instead of sending money back and forth or keeping mental notes of who paid last time, everything sits in one shared place. You both see exactly what comes in and what goes out, which helps build trust and keeps things organized. 

Decide how to split your expenses

There is no universal rule for how couples should split costs. Some prefer a 50/50 approach, while others find it fairer to contribute based on income. The best system is the one that works for both of you.

You can also create separate Bank Accounts for different categories. For example, a Rents and Bills account for essentials and a Fun and Going Out account for date nights or weekend plans. Having clear categories makes it easy to track contributions and see where your money is going.

Plan for your shared future

Moving in together is not just about managing bills. It is also about building the future you want. Maybe you are dreaming of a holiday in Japan, adopting a dog, or saving for a home of your own someday. These conversations can be exciting and motivating.

Create a dedicated Savings Account for each shared goal and give it a name that inspires you, like “Tokyo Story” or “Future Dog Fund”. Features like Auto Round Up adds your spare change to your Savings Account every time you pay, making it easier to reach your goals without even noticing.

Keep your independence too

Sharing finances does not mean losing your financial independence. Many couples find that a ‘yours, mine, and ours’ setup works best. A Joint Account covers shared expenses, while your personal accounts stay entirely your own.

This gives you the freedom to treat yourself to something you love without feeling like you need to explain or check in. With bunq, you can manage everything in one app and easily switch between personal and shared accounts, which makes it easier to stay organized.

Ready to start this new chapter?

With a little teamwork and the right tools, you can create a financial plan that supports both of you. Once the basics are in place, you can get back to the important decisions, like who is cooking dinner tonight.