Relationships3 min(s) read
A leading financial expert has shared some crucial relationship advice that a huge number of couples do not follow.
Ramsey Solutions financial expert Rachel Cruze has one “firm belief” when it comes to managing finances in a relationship.
She told People Magazine that it is wisest to “Keep everything separate” when it comes to money. That means not paying each other’s debt, not buying a house together on the same deed, and other things that many romantics might view as shared responsibilities.
Elaborating, Rachel said: “People co-mingle finances when they’re dating, and the problem is there’s no legal protection for you.
“So if you go and you pay off your boyfriend’s debt or you co-sign a loan with your girlfriend or whatever, it turns into a disaster because there’s nothing legally that’s going to protect you.”
The expert even advises couples to keep their finances separate after they become engaged. Rather pessimistically, she said: “You are still financially roommates.
“Act like it. Do not act like a married couple because you are not married. So that’s my thing when you’re dating.”
While Rachel acknowledges that her advice might be considered “controversial” in 2026, she is adamant that people might feel more “secure” keeping their money separate to avoid fighting over it with their spouse.
She argues this: “Because money and marriage, money is one of these aspects of marriage that if you are not on the same team, it is so hard to win financially.”
Although Rachel strongly suggests keeping finances separate until marriage, she encourages couples to be “unified” once they’ve tied the knot.
The expert added: “When you are so intertwined with them - not that marriage is going to be perfect by any means - but it is a way easier climb to the top than having to drag someone that you’re like, ‘I don’t know how much she makes. I don’t know how much debt she has.’
“I tell married couples too, regardless of who makes the money or if someone makes more or less, it doesn’t matter.”
Opening up about how her own marriage works to set an example, Rachel explained: “I still look at my hair done and my nails done and all of that. I don’t have to text him and ask permission.
"It is in the budget, and I’m like, ‘This is how much I’m spending this month,’ and we talk about it, and it’s like, ‘Okay, that’s great.’ And this is how much he’s spending.”
