I want to address the 'should I have separate finances or combine with my partner?' question because the answer is more nuanced than most advice acknowledges.

Fully combined: all income into joint accounts, all spending from joint accounts. Works well when income is similar, values are aligned, and both people are comfortable with full financial transparency. Breaks down when there's an income disparity that makes one partner feel dependent, or when spending styles differ significantly.

Fully separate: each person manages their own money and splits shared expenses. Preserves autonomy and simplicity. Becomes complicated when incomes are very different and 'splitting equally' means one person is stretching and the other isn't.

Hybrid (what I do): separate personal accounts, joint account for shared expenses funded proportionally to income. Each person has spending autonomy within their personal account. Shared goals (emergency fund, vacation fund, home) are funded jointly.

There is no objectively correct answer. The right system is the one you and your partner will both follow consistently, that produces fairness you both accept, and that doesn't create resentment.