Love in the Time of Lockdown
When my boyfriend and I first met, we were both enjoying the freedom of living alone for the first time. But that all changed in March when our city went into lockdown and we found ourselves suddenly cohabiting.
A Crash Course in Financial Planning
With my boyfriend still employed and me out of work, our financial situations couldn’t be more different. We knew we had to talk about how we’d be spending our money during this uncertain time. Instead of splitting everything 50/50, we took turns paying for groceries and alcohol, trusting that things would even out by the end of quarantine. This approach not only reduced my financial anxiety but also eliminated the need for tough conversations about who gets to buy what.
Smart Shopping and Frugal Living
We started making detailed shopping lists, focusing on items that could be used for multiple meals, like hams and broccoli. We also discovered the joy of baking our own bread and sweets, which turned out to be cheaper and easier than we thought. In March, we spent around $200 on beer, wine, and spirits, $300 on groceries, and $110 on restaurants, working out to $305 each – significantly less than we would have spent on our own.
The Future of Our Living Arrangement
After a few glasses of wine, we discussed the possibility of giving up one of our apartments to reduce our financial burden. With rent payments of around $1600 each, it seemed foolish to keep paying for two separate spaces. We agreed to reassess our decision once the lockdown was lifted, but for now, we’re making it work.
Relationship Milestones in Hyperdrive
The lockdown has accelerated our relationship, forcing us to confront topics like finances and living arrangements much sooner than we would have otherwise. While we’re not ready to combine our finances just yet, we’re learning about each other’s habits and quirks at an incredible pace. And despite the challenges, we’re making it work – for now, at least.
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