Money and benefits
There are few things in this life more confusing and worrying than money issues. We all have our own special ways of dealing with financial matters - but whether you hope for the best or stick your head firmly in the sand, you need to read our finance section. Frequently we're worrying more than we need to, and where there is a problem it is often easily solved if you know how.
Money and Debt
There is a lot of confusion about what financial rights and responsibilities you have when you're living with your partner. Are you financially responsible for each other? What would happen if you split up? Are you responsible for each other’s debts? Our quick guide to Money and Debt should answer all your questions.
We've received a number of questions from readers confused about money issues - read them here.
Tax
When it comes to tax, unmarried couples are treated differently to married couples. You do need to know about these differences but, in order to make it as painless as possible, we tell you everything you need to in a very short tax quiz.
The tax most likely to cause a problem for cohabiting couples is now inheritance tax. Because of rises in house prices (even despite recent falls), more and more ordinary people are being left with an inheritance tax bill when their partner dies. We explain when it's something you need to worry about, and how you prevent leaving your partner with a whacking great tax bill to remember you byin our separate Inheritance Tax section.
Benefits
If you or your partner receive benefits you need to know where you stand with the benefits system. Even if you don't receive benefits now, you may in the future. It's important to know that in some areas couples that live together lose out! Make sure you know what the rules are - download our
benefits leaflet (365 KB).
We have also received a lot of questions from readers asking "what counts as living together?" for benefits financial purposes. If you are confused or think you may have difficulty with the benefits office because your boyfriend/girlfriend stays with you regularly these may help. Read more...
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