It's a big, exciting step and a time when it's easy to overlook issues which may not appear important now, but could be down the track.

The household

Moving in together is a time o' great change, when you're trying to set the boundaries for your relationship, what you expect from each other, and your shared hopes for the future.

And there are responsibilities that need to be shared, such as day-to-day chores, which can cause more conflict than people imagine.

One way to start the discussion about who does what is to draw up a list of all the tasks:

  • Cooking
  • Ironing
  • Paying the bills
  • Doing the laundry
  • Cleaning the bathroom
  • Mowing the lawn
  • Washing the cars
  • Doing the dishes
  • Taking the rubbish out
  • Organising social get-togethers.

There are ten tasks on this list and your list will probably be longer. You and your partner could consider ticking the half that you're 'happy' to do. Don't tell each other. Compare lists and you'll no doubt identify areas for compromise.

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Finances

One issue that can cause conflict for couples is money. Think about setting guidelines for how you'll handle the finances.

You may need to be clear about who'll pay for day-to-day living, who'll pay for the major items and at what point you're ready to operate joint accounts, credit cards and loans.

Are you in danger of catching your partner's debt?
Be careful about what you sign. If you have joint credit cards (and you're designated as the primary cardholder) or other personal debts, and your partner leaves and is unable or refuses to pay, you may end up being the one responsible.

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The future

The future won't just take care of itself. You'll both change and, as you do, so may your goals. If you're considering moving in together, make sure you talk about the future and have an idea how you both stand on some of the important issues.

  • Will both of you work?
  • Do you want to work interstate or overseas?
  • If your partner was transferred interstate or overseas would you move?
  • Do you want kids? Look through the implications of having a baby in the relevant section of this website
  • If you start a family, would both of you still work?
  • What are your financial goals?
  • Do you want to buy a home? If so, when?
  • How involved will your family and friends be in your new life?
  • What do you expect from your partner in terms of loyalty and fidelity?
  • Is getting married in your plans?

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How we can help

Moving in together is a very exciting time. And yes, it can also be expensive. ANZ has a range of solutions that may help.

An A-Z Review® - starting a new life together is an ideal time to review your banking arrangements and not just in terms of perhaps opening joint accounts. Sitting down with a personal banker to discuss your plans and goals for the future can lead to a banking solution designed specifically for you. Request an A-Z Review® at your nearest ANZ branch.

An ANZ Financial Planner – why not get serious about your future? Our financial planners can help you build wealth, protect your assets and reach your goals together. Your initial discussion is complimentary and without obligation. Book an appointment with an ANZ Financial Planner.

An ANZ Home and Investment Lending Manager – are you buying your first home together? Our expert lenders can help you find the right home loan from our award winning range.

Savings solutions – you may want to save for a goal together, perhaps that first house or maybe an overseas holiday. We have a range of savings accounts:

  • ANZ Progress Saver – pays bonus interest1 if you when you make one deposit of $10 or more in a month and no withdrawals or debits in that month. It also provides branch access.
  • ANZ Online Saver – if you would rather bank online then this could be the savings account for you. It pays interest and gives you 24/7 online access to your money2 via your linked ANZ account. You can even name your account after your goal – perhaps you'd like to call it your Holiday account!

Insurance solutions – starting life together is a good time to reassess your insurance needs, make sure that you, your partner and your possessions are protected. Find out more about ANZ Insurance.

Terms and conditions are available on application. Fees and charges apply.

Any advice does not take into account your personal needs and financial circumstances and you should consider whether it is appropriate for you. ANZ recommends you read the Terms and Conditions and the Financial Services Guide before acquiring the product.

® A-Z Review is a registered trademark of Australia and New Zealand Banking
Group Limited (ANZ) ABN 11 005 357 522.
1 The ANZ Progress Saver account pays bonus interest in addition to the current
base interest when you make a single deposit of $10 or more per month and make
no withdrawals or debits in that same month. Month commences on account
opening date.
2 ANZ Online Saver is only open to customers who are the account holders of, or signatories to, eligible ANZ deposit accounts with ANZ Internet and/or Phone
Banking access. Eligible accounts include ANZ Access Advantage, ANZ Access
Select, ANZ Access Basic, ANZ Access Deeming, ANZ Progress Saver, ANZ V2 PLUS, ANZ Premium Cash Management Account and ANZ Everyday Visa Debit. Terms and conditions and fees and charges apply to the eligible account.

ANZ Financial Planners are representatives of Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited, ABN 11 005 357 522, the holder of an Australian Financial Services licence.

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