AITA for not accepting food as a payment towards personal debt?
In a cozy new apartment, a young couple and their brother-in-law dreamed of a fresh start, splitting bills down the middle like a perfectly sliced pizza. But the harmony soured when the brother’s wallet stayed shut, leaving the couple to foot hefty move-in costs and rent alone. Frustration simmered as unpaid bills piled up, and his offer of takeout as “payment” sparked a heated clash.
The Reddit post spills the tea on this financial fiasco, painting a vivid picture of a household teetering on the edge of fairness. With the couple juggling a toddler and a baby on the way, the brother’s casual approach to debts favoring video games over bills stirs a relatable debate about family, money, and responsibility.
‘AITA for not accepting food as a payment towards personal debt?’
Moving in together seemed like a win-win for this couple and their brother, but unpaid bills turned their dream home into a financial tug-of-war. The husband and wife, already stretched thin with a toddler and another baby coming, carried the full load of rent and utilities, while the brother’s offer of food as repayment fell flat.
His failure to prioritize debts over luxuries like video games highlights a deeper issue of accountability. Dr. Ramit Sethi, a personal finance expert, notes, “Clear agreements are the backbone of shared finances—without them, resentment festers” .
The 50/50 split, while agreed upon, feels lopsided given the couple’s larger household. The brother, a single occupant, uses less space and resources, yet committed to half the costs—a deal he’s not upholding. This imbalance mirrors broader issues in multi-person households, where fairness often hinges on proportional contributions, not equal splits.
To resolve this, the trio needs a sit-down to rewrite their agreement, as Sethi suggests, detailing exact contributions for rent, utilities, and groceries. A written contract could prevent further misunderstandings, and regular check-ins could keep everyone accountable. The couple might also consider a fairer split, like 60/40, reflecting occupancy. This approach fosters transparency and invites readers to share their own roommate financial fixes.
Heres what people had to say to OP:
Reddit users leaned heavily toward supporting the husband, arguing that food doesn’t pay bills and the brother’s lack of contribution is unfair. They praised the couple’s patience but urged a clearer financial agreement to avoid future disputes.
However, some questioned the 50/50 split, noting the couple’s larger household should bear more costs. The consensus called for a candid discussion to reset expectations, with many suggesting the brother’s casual attitude might soon push him out the door.
![[Reddit User] - ESH he should be paying his FAIR share without excuses and you should pay your 2/3 of living expenses and rent. That being said, you need to stalk talking to each other and solve this like adults y'all trying to be](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/298923c-04.png)
![[Reddit User] - YTA! A 50/50 split is NOT FAIR! I am sure he will realise this and move out, because you are being unfair. So he is one person and you pay equal to house 3 if you include your child. This should be a 3 way split between the adults. You have been sneaky in selling him this, and he probably only accepted out of desperation. Shame on you!!](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/298923c-08.png)
This tale of unpaid bills and misplaced burgers reveals the chaos of unclear financial agreements. The couple’s frustration is palpable, yet the brother’s offer of food shows a disconnect in priorities. A written contract could save their household harmony or signal it’s time to part ways. Have you navigated tricky roommate finances? Share your stories of splitting bills and keeping the peace.
