Combining Finances: Tips on How to Get Your Partner on Board

So you’re ready to combine your finances. But your partner isn’t so sure about the process. After all, merging your money and opening a joint account is a big step for any relationship.

Whether you’re just moving in together or getting married (or have just gotten used to keeping things separate), you may have a lot of questions when it comes to merging your money.

Here are some common concerns and how to address them:

“I don’t get why we need a joint account”

You can stop asking each other “did you pay that bill?” You can literally automate your rent or mortgage payments from your shared account and not have to worry about it. It’s also great for budgeting. You can get a clearer understanding of what you’re spending on groceries or subscriptions each month. A joint account can streamline your finances and clarify what you're spending on.

“I don’t want to merge all our money”

It’s a misconception that both members of the relationship have to go “all in.” With a joint account, you can merge some or all of your finances while maintaining financial independence by keeping your own separate savings accounts. You can create a plan where you pay some of your bills from your joint account but make sure you have enough in your personal accounts to buy and pay for what you want to spend on.

“I’m too lazy to change how I do things”

Ask yourself this question–is the system you’re currently using causing you to do more work? It may seem fairly low-effort to ping-pong money back and forth for various bills and payments but honestly, your time can be better spent being lazy together and having automation take care of your shared bills.

“I’m worried about the security of the account”

You and your partner both own the money in your account and have equal access to it. Either one can contribute to it or close the account. The protection of your money and your data is one of Zeta’s core tenets. We have automated systems and manual checks in place to safeguard you, your partner, and your money.

“I don’t want to change my bank”

Let’s face it, switching banks is a pain. With Zeta Joint Accounts, you can open up a joint account and transfer money to and from your individual banks, no problem.

“I want to remain financially independent"

You can definitely maintain financial independence with a joint account. You and your partner can allocate money for your shared expenses (rent, mortgage, groceries) while keeping money in your own accounts so you can spend as you please. There’s a “yours/mine/ours" approach for every couple.

“I don’t want to talk about money, it makes me anxious”

Talking to your significant other other about your finances can be really hard. But now’s as good a time as any to ask yourself why it freaks you so much. We recommend sitting down with your partner and playing our 20 Questions game to uncover your money story and understand all the things that are holding you back and what goals you want to achieve.

Want to learn more about combining your finances? Keep it simple and check out Zeta’s Guide to Combining Finances.