Being under one roof with other people isn't just about agreeing on paint colors or how to arrange the living room furniture.
It also means finding equitable ways to share expenses that all can agree on. And, just as there are all types of living arrangements, there's also a variety of financial approaches that offer a sense that everyone is contributing fairly to the upkeep of the household. The common theme to maintaining a happy home? An open conversation.
Judith Lu, founder of Blue Zone Wealth Advisors, tells her clients to have a transparent and honest conversation before entering into any living situation. "Lay out ground rules, like a prenup, so you don't have to fight about it later," Lu says.
Nesting with your significant other? Sharing a place with friends? Living at home with family members? Take a tip from a range of roommates who found smart ways to broach the who-pays-what subject and fairly divvy up the expenses.