My fiance and I are going to buy a flat by the end of this year. (we will get marred in June)

I want to know if I shall share the monthly mortgage? Or is it the man's responsibility to pay the mortgage?

Let me give you some background for your better understanding before giving me your opinion:

We have been co-habiting for one year and we share the rent, 50/50. He pays all the household bills (water/gas/electricity/TV) and I pay for the household food & goods.

He earns US$400 more than I do. He paid the down-payment of the flat. And the monthly mortgage is 1/3 of his salary.

Recently we start talking about the 'life' after marriage, such as the responsibilities, the living expenses, etc. He agreed to pay me US$300 as "household $$$" (I have to give my contribution too and I thus look after the household and meals) And he suggested that we should share the monthly mortgage otherwise his burden will be really 'heavy'.

My mindset is: I do not mind at all sharing the monthly mortage because I understand that otherwise he will have heavy burden, and that's why I found it absolutely OK for me to share the rent and be responsible for the household..etc. Regarding the "Ga Yung", it is not my request, it is actually a common consent that this is for the household stuff including meals & bill,,, everything spent on our home. So in other words I need to give my contribution too (but I am 100% OK with it).

So, basically I am fully OK with his suggestion of sharing the mortage and I am well prepared to do so (because he does not earn a lot more than me, only few thousands more! And I believe I have the responsibility of sharing the burden in life!)

However I told my parents all the above, and they are "astounded" - they wonder why should I (a wife) share the mortgage - they think it is the man's sole responsibility. They said, if I accepted this arrangement, I will be considered very 'cheap' and not loved and treated well by my husband.

I am now puzzled. Am I right? Or are my parents right?

Any married couples here can give me some advice?

Oh boy!...this is a good one. First off...do not listen to your parents or anyone else for that matter (including me). You must rationalize these things on your own according to your beliefs and what you feel to be right in your heart. What religion are you?(rhetorical) Are you a devoted practitioner of your religion? What does your practice tell you?

As for me and mine...we think of our marriage (financially) as a business. Basically all income is pooled together and budgeted to take care of all necessary living expenses out of that pool. Then a certain amount for savings (according to future goals and consideration for emergency expenses) is taken out. Lastly we pay ourselves according to several factors. My wife gets more because she naturally needs more frivolous spending money. This is how we avoid making my wife seem 'cheap'. I would give her more anyway on basic principle because I adore her and want to spoil her (even after 6 years of marriage). If your husband doesn't respect you or treat you well, it wont be because of your financial agreements. What age are your parents from?

PS--in my humble opinion...don't buy anything like a house until you've been married for a year.

PSS--in fact...if you aren't even clear on how to handle finances by June...do not get married.