Who brings home the cheddar—the dough, the bread, the money— in your relationship? Do you make more than he does or is it the other way around? And if so, is it an issue in your relationship?

They say disputes over money can melt any good partnership, leading to inevitable break ups due to irreconcilable differences. And even if the finances in your relationship are balanced today, uncertain economic times and job loss can mean ruin tomorrow. Regardless, I tend to affirm that by quickly resolving money issues (whether you are just dating or in a long term relationship) couples can firm up stringy money tensions.

It's not always easy dating someone that either makes more or less than you do. And our man-from-Mars ego often gets in the way of letting him pay. The financial ideal of any partnership is financial equality, a 50/50 arrangement; but sometimes relationships lean more toward a 60/40 or 70/30 (and in some cases an 80/20) split.

To help ease the stress of cheddar (money) equality, I've compiled this list of helpful tips that you and your boyfriend (or husband) can follow to bring you closer to an amiable financial arrangement. Here's how to balance your finances as a couple

After you read, discuss:
Gay Life forum members are currently discussing relationship finances. Is yours 50/50? Join the discussion!

_{Image Dominic More.}