What is fair to pay, to the household?
(ok, that sounds weird, so a little context).
My husband and I dated for 5 years, living in separate places. In 2025 I lost my job as a web developer, so moved into his house. We had been avoiding moving in together, mainly due to my objections about his messiness and accumulation of stuff, but forced into it ;-), I organized his life and he has been ok with maintaining it.
He works at a job he loves, paying the mortgage and house expenses.
At first I was looking for work, but due to lack of response to job applications, shifted to creating my own web projects. I have created quite a few web projects with but no $$ yet. I am hopeful about one in particular.
Recently, I got my substitute teaching cert and will begin as a sub in the fall. I have a little saved and am paying for my daughter's last year in college. I also have bills upcoming this year and my small savings (under $25K) will be cut in half.
I make all meals, keep the house clean. He does the yard. He is much more financially secure than I am but I am frugal and good at organizing. We do well together.
In the fall, when I have a small income again, what is a fair amount for me to contribute to the household? I will discuss this with him too, but I want an idea. I was thinking about 60% of my paycheck. I'd like to be able to save something for myself. I think he will be ok with whatever I come up with if I can provide a good rationale.
Any thoughts?
Posted Jul 13, 2026, 4:31 PM UTC