I Moved Into My Girlfriend's House. Here's How We Split Bills

We split the mortgage and utilities evenly. She makes more than I do. Still, my share came out lower than my old rent, especially with the roommate covering a third of the total. She initially insisted on handling utilities alone – she had never charged the roommate before and felt fine keeping it that way. I talked her into letting me chip in. The three of us now split rent, gas, water, electricity, and WiFi.

Then we talked about the big stuff. She was about to start a re-siding project timed to my move-in that cost tens of thousands. She had been saving for years and paid for it herself.

For future projects – swapping a clawfoot tub for a walk-in shower, for example – we decided to split costs. I am getting major value from her initial investment, so I want to be part of the home's life. She does not want me to feel pressure to invest in a house I did not choose. The compromise: if we split a project that improves equity, she pays back my half if we break up.

We are in love and plan to stay together. We are also pragmatic enough to write down what happens if we do not.

That clause solved my biggest fear. I know what my role is in our shared finances. She no longer worries she is asking too much. We both wanted the same thing: to walk into the next chapter together without the money anxiety.

Being a grandfathered-in homeowner is pretty amazing. I can paint the walls. No one raises my rent. No pet policy to worry about – good, because our dog loves it here. I get to live with my girlfriend in a cute yellow house that is completely ours.

The weekend weeding turned out OK, too. We scattered seeds and buried bulbs a few months ago. The garden now has wildflowers, herbs and vegetables.

Not bad for a renter who never thought she would own a thing.