Before you decide to start a life with your partner, whether that is moving in together or starting a family, it is important to ensure that you are fully compatible. In terms of compatibility, on top of having the same general life values, you must also make sure that you both have similar financial habits that will help you to meet any financial goals that you share. This will help keep you on track for things such as saving for your first home or for a dream vacation. Here are some tips to consider for being financially compatible with your partner:  

1. Set the ground rules. First thing is first – you must both set the ground rules and mutually agree upon what it will take from each of you to reach your financial goals. This can include going over your expenses, number of times you might eat out each month, or how to tackle any debt that you have. 
2. Continue communicating. Communication is key for any partnership to work, especially from a financial perspective. It is important to be open and honest with where you are at or if you find yourself struggling so that you and your partner can align on what steps need to be taken to get back to a financially stable place.
3. Align on financial goals. Make sure that you and your partner have the same financial goals and are on the same page. Perhaps you are working on paying off student debt, saving for your first home, or saving for a wedding or big event. If you are both working towards the same goal, you are likely to reach it faster!
4. Create your budget. Budgeting is key, and even though life can happen, and unexpected costs can come up, creating a general budget for each month will help to make sure that neither of you are overspending.