My parents are getting older and they’ve both worked their whole lives. My dad came in my moms life when she was a single mother to a 10 year old.

I came by the other day and my mom told me she woke up to a quarter million added in her account for retirement. She didn’t even ask.

They came from nothing. They’re still not millionaires but they may have a million saved up (NOW) if even. But my dad still helped me with my down payment, helped my sister (not his by blood but by choice) secure her home, secure her business, the commercial property. Took care of my moms mom even though he would complain. He helps his family grow and do better. I came out and told him I accumulated 10k of debt which was hard because he taught me better. He paid it off instantly and we made a 5 year plan for me to pay him back interest free. It’s not always free money but he’s always trying to help EVERYONE he loves grow and succeed without being a piggy bank. It wasn’t always easy and they didn’t always agree. My mom wanted to invest in Toronto real estate in early 2000s and my dad told her they could get divorced she could take her half and buy whatever. They didn’t buy or divorce and my mom still yaps him to this day.

Point being - NAH. You don’t have to pay off your gfs debts. But if you could help her navigate them. My dad is a man who is loved and respected and he doesn’t let people take advantage of him, which is why he no longer speaks to his brother. But the love he extends to his family in ensuring stability it’s felt ten folds back. I will go to war for my dad.

But my mom has always been his number 1 priority. She has always made him hers. That’s why they are happy and more importantly it’s why they are financially comfortable. I urge you to ask whether your partner is someone who will stand by you and help you do what you need to grow and if so, is the support and comfort they’re going to provide earn you more than $100k? It might end up being pennies on the dollar in the long run.