Young couple moving house. They are sitting in back of the removal van amongst boxes. By Kara Stevens ·Updated February 12, 2026 /> Getting your Trinity Audio player ready…

Love may be the reason you move in together. But money will determine how peaceful it feels once you do, or, real talk, how long you stay.

Sharing a home is more than splitting closet space and deciding whose couch makes the cut. It’s merging life> founder of Pocket of Money, the conversations couples avoid before signing a lease are often the very ones that cause the most damage later.

If you’re thinking about cohabitating, here are the money conversations you need to have — before the boxes are packed.

“How Much Debt Do You Have?”

Budgeting? Sure. Dreaming about vacations? Absolutely. But debt? That’s where things get quiet. “In my experience with past clients, couples do not discuss how much debt they each have and how that will affect their life> The Frugal Feminista and author of heal your relationship with money and Unmasking the Strong Black Woman. Connect with her on LinkedIn.

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