Does Living Together Really Save Money?

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This article is mistitled. It doesn't analyze the costs associated with living together vs living apart - doesn't go into the tax consequences. It is more focused on education levels. The list of questions is useful, but not exhaustive. Disappointing for folks like me considering this option.

BLK of VA 9:36PM August 30, 2011

The columnist asks great questions and provides great information regarding finances in cohabitation. I think we all need to take a step back, mature, and realize that there are consequences to every action we make, whether or not we want them or like them. We can't have our cake and eat it too no matter how deluded we may be to think so...if you think you can, then it proves that you still have some maturing to do.

Mequint of NC 1:52PM August 27, 2011

A stupid ceremony plus a piece of paper comes way cheaper than the break-up.
"Marriage" should be replaced with a contract - renewable every five years. If one person decides to walk, it should be with the clothes on his/her back and the car they drove in with. The remaining partner should get everything else. (He/she who walked is starting a new life, right?)
Children: If you can't feed 'em, don't breed 'em.
Pregnant womens "hook ups" should have the option of paying for an abortion plus $10,000 as an alternative to child support for 18 years. If the woman wants to keep the kid, $10K ought to be enough for the diapers, let her worry about babysitting arrangements, schooling, food and such. Guys should have to pay, but not for 18 years with no relationship with the mother or kid.
Clamshell

Clamshell of FL 9:04AM August 18, 2011

I'm 20, a lesbian and certainly not expecting kids. I was hoping for advice on whether it was financially reasonable to try to build a life together here in the great state if Florida where same-sex marriage is not legal yet.

Greta of FL 5:02PM August 09, 2011

"...and if so, do you think you benefited financially?"
Goodness gracious! Who gave this columnist permission to ask the rest of us such personal questions?

Jess of TX 8:32PM July 03, 2011

I thought this was about cost of living together as opposed to living apart? This sounds more like to marry or not to be married.

alpha one of PA 10:31AM July 03, 2011

There are many committed couples who have no plans involving children or marriage. There are also people who cannot get married or have children. Your article neglects all of these scenarios and seems to assume that every couple moving in together will be getting married and procreating.
I wish the bulk of your article was more similar to the content of your numbered list and the paragraphs following it.

Beth of CA 11:48PM July 02, 2011

After witnessing a few couples move in together to only break up within a year or two but remain stuck in the same apartment because neither one can afford to pay the entire rent by themselves, I am reluctant to do so as an unmarried person.
My ex had a horror story from his relationship where he did cohabitate...because she was still in school, she never had money and expected him to contribute to the lion's share of the expenses at a time when he was just starting his career. So he was against cohabitation as well.

veronica of NH 5:16PM June 30, 2011