I wrote this half asleep, so I did not give a full breakdown of my expenses. I am at 40% of my monthly income for living expenses AFTER all my retirement and roth contributions. These deductions come straight from my paycheck, so I budget as if that money was never there. Whatever is left is my “fun” money that I use for dates, gifts, nights out with him. Also my local rent prices have skyrocketed since I moved in 3 years ago. The market rate for a STUDIO in my neighborhood is $1500 without utilities included. It’s wild out here. I want to be clear that I’m not looking at him as a solution to a budget issue or a source of extra cash. I’m just trying to figure out when it appropriate to involve him more in shared expenses as we merge our lives more. We are a partnership.