Money and age gaps

By the Seek My Toy Boy editors · Checked 8 November 2026 · 2 min read

In shortAgree a way of sharing costs that feels fair to you both, whether that's 50/50 or in proportion to income. If you move in together, know that living together gives fewer legal rights than marriage. Keep your will up to date, as marriage can cancel an old one.

Key facts

Sharing costs	50/50 or in line with income, whatever you agree
Joint accounts	Can link your credit files
Unmarried partner, no will	Won't automatically inherit unless you own property jointly
Marriage and an old will (England and Wales)	Marriage cancels a will made before it

An age gap often comes with a money gap. One of you may own a home and the other may still be renting. Talking about it plainly is kinder than guessing.

Choose a set-up that suits you

MoneyHelper describes keeping money separate, pooling it, or a mix with a joint account for bills. Contributions can be 50/50 or related to the size of your income. Review it when things change, such as a new job.

Source: MoneyHelper: Should we manage money jointly or separately?, checked 8 November 2026

Know your rights if you live together

Citizens Advice says couples who live together generally have fewer rights than married couples in England. A surviving partner won't automatically inherit unless property was owned jointly. If your partner owns the home alone, you may have no right to stay if asked to leave.

Source: Citizens Advice: Living together and marriage, legal differences, checked 8 November 2026

Update your will if you marry

The Gazette explains that in England and Wales, a will made before marriage is cancelled when you marry, unless it was made with that marriage in mind. Divorce doesn't cancel a will, but it changes how gifts to an ex work. Get advice if you have children from before.

Source: The Gazette: What are the effects of marriage and divorce on wills?, checked 8 November 2026

Questions

Who pays on dates?

Whatever feels fair to you both. Many couples take turns, or let whoever suggested the plan pay.

Should we open a joint account?

Only if it suits you. MoneyHelper suggests testing one first with small amounts for a few bills.

Does Scotland have the same rules?

No. Scotland has its own rules on living together and inheritance, so check the Scottish advice from Citizens Advice.