Is it financially easier or harder being married?

[Prettygurl12]

Um... easier, I guess. My husband and I are on a single income. But hypothetically, once he gets a job we'll be in a much better place financially.

If you both have the same goals financially then you should be fine financially regardless of your starting income. In theory.

[slatyb]

Two can live almost as cheaply as one. Even if you need a bit more space it’s much cheaper than renting two apartments. Eating in is more attractive and far cheaper and healthier than eating out. If you need a car but can share one share a car that’s another large savings.

Married couples should not pool all their money into a single joint account. That’s a recipe for constant fights over money. The joint account is for joint expenses and both contribute according to their ability. The rest is for each person to spend as they like. My wife is not working but take scare of everything else. Part of my salary goes into her account every month so she doesn’t have to ask me if she can buy something, fly to visit her sister, etc.

[BCA6010]

You don't necessarily have "twice the expense," though technically you could achieve the same offset costs of living by living with a roommate to help pay the bills of a single home rather than two. Though of course if one person isn't working, then yeah it'll make a significant financial strain.

Things get more expensive when you factor in kids, and potentially different taxation policies depending on where you live and what your income looks like/where it comes from.

[OlderAndWiser]

You don't have twice the expense! Why would you rent two apartments or buy two houses if you were married? Your electric bill is not twice the amount as it was when you were single. Etc.

[ThisIsMyOpinion]

It's actually way easier because it's not twice as expensive. Many things get cheaper. Electric bill is more a less the same, doesn't change much since the light in the room serves for both. The house is the most expensive fix expense you have every month. One house and two people paying for it. That alone makes it cheaper to live alone.
Not to mention that many foods are cheaper if you buy the family pack etc.
Sure you pay more water and go out to dinner more along other things, but that doesn't come close to the money you save on the rest.

[Liam_Hayden]

It depends upon the partners.

If one or both are spendaholics. they might always be in debt no matter how much their income.

If they are both thrifty, then it will be advantageous because the living expenses per person will be less.

If one is money-wise and the other money-foolish, it depends upon which has control.

[jshm2]

Depends on the breadwinner and the type of relationship they have and their expense flows.

[jamesgoldman]

Depends on if you are spendthrifts or dilligent savers/investors

[Unit1]

Harder.
Marriage is all about the money.
Why do women want it so badly but men don't want it like at all (and give in)?
I can clearly see what separates the 10% rich from the bottom 90%, half of which are poor.

[Anonymous]

Depends on the couple, sometimes it’s easier but only if you guys are on the same page with finances otherwise it’s not

[Anonymous]

Easier on women to be married.
Easier on men to be single.

[Iron_Man]

If you split everything it’s easier

[FCDALLASFAN]

Haha! Depends on the woman.

[bamesjond0069]

Harder once you're divorced if you're the man.

[Anonymous]

Very hard. Lots of expenses.