I think joint finances while dating are significantly more difficult than after marriage. There are so many more unknowns in a dating relationship and typically less communication and transparency around individual finances. Also, expectations and financial motivations don’t always align, so that makes it even more difficult to get on the same page while dating.

It’s awesome that you two are so financially candid — that’s an area that many couples don’t even approach until well after the honeymoon. I certainly fell into that boat. Having a strategy while dating, and not living together will definitely make things easier as the relationship progresses.