What money conversations should couples have before moving in together?

Before combining a household, cover the topics that quietly cause conflict. Share your incomes, debts, and credit standing honestly, because a partner's debt and score will affect joint rentals, loans, and stress levels. Agree on how you will split rent and shared bills, whether evenly, proportionally by income, or through a shared account. Discuss spending styles and what each of you considers a reasonable 'no questions asked' personal amount. Talk about savings goals and financial obligations to family. Decide what stays separate versus joint, since not everything must be merged. These talks are about alignment, not judgment, and revisiting them yearly prevents resentment. There is no need to combine accounts fully at this stage; clear rules for shared costs are enough to start.