One way to save several thousand Swedish kroner a month is to move in with your partner. But becoming cohabitants can quickly lead to financial problems. And it can be tricky to know how to do it. Should everything be shared equally, as a percentage based on income or have a completely shared economy?
News24 have talked to Madelén Falkenhällsustainability economist at Swedbank, who tells us how to think when dividing the finances with your partner.
Do you have a partner? That way you can save SEK 10,000 – a month
Couples with shared finances argue less
Falkenhäll tells Nyheter24 that it is important to start talking about economics first and foremost. If you have talked about your conditions for a safe private economy and your own savings, it will reduce the risk of conflicts around money.
– Set joint goals with the economy, so you strive in the same direction. It can make it easier to, for example, save for something later, she says.
Partner? This is how you are affected if your partner has debts with the Kronofogden
Photo: Fredrik Sandberg/TTDifferent ways of dividing the economy
There are different ways to share or combine your own and your partner’s finances. Which one suits your particular relationship depends on your circumstances.
– If you have roughly the same salary, it can often work well to share the expenses equally. But if there is a difference in income, you need to think about how to distribute the expenses so that both get good conditions. Each couple decides for themselves, the main thing is that you agree and that it feels good for both. You can say, somewhat simplified, that you can do it in three different ways.
Completely separate economy
This means that everyone is responsible for their own money, bills and savings. It can be a good way if you have roughly the same salary.
Partially separate finances
Having partially separated finances means that you pay different amounts of the common expenses. This means that whoever earns more also pays more. In addition, it creates better conditions for those with lower wages.
Fully shared economy
A fully shared economy means that all money goes into the same pot. In this way, both parties get equal opportunities to save and build a secure private economy.
– We know that those who have a shared economy argue to a slightly lesser extent about money than those who do not.
Up to 20,000 received the wrong housing allowance from Försäkringskassan
The change in the pension receives sharp criticism: “Unfair”