Roommate Keeps “Forgetting” Their Share? Split Expenses Stress-Free With This Free App

Living with roommates can be a fantastic way to save money and share experiences, but it often comes with one persistent headache: splitting expenses. We’ve all been there—you’ve paid for groceries, utilities, or that pizza last Friday, and your roommate keeps “forgetting” to pay you back. The constant reminders become awkward, spreadsheets get confusing, and before you know it, you’re harboring resentment over $25 worth of toilet paper. What should be a simple financial arrangement turns into unnecessary tension that affects your living situation.

The Solution: Splitwise App

Splitwise is a free expense-sharing app that eliminates the awkwardness and confusion from shared finances. Here’s how to set it up and use it effectively to ensure everyone pays their fair share—without you having to play the bad guy.

Step 1: Download and Create Your Account

1. Download the Splitwise app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). It’s also available as a web version at splitwise.com.
2. Sign up using your email address or connect with your Google or Facebook account.
3. Complete your profile with your name and upload a profile picture so your roommates can easily identify you.

Step 2: Create a Group for Your Household

1. Tap the “+” button and select “Add a group.”
2. Name your group (e.g., “Apartment 5B” or “123 Main Street Roomies”).
3. Add your roommates by entering their email addresses or phone numbers. They’ll receive invitations to join the group.
4. Select your preferred currency and save the group.

Step 3: Start Recording Expenses

1. Within your group, tap the “+” button to add a new expense.
2. Enter the expense description (e.g., “Electricity Bill October” or “Household Supplies”).
3. Input the total amount paid.
4. Select who paid (you or your roommate).
5. Choose how to split the expense:

• Equal splits (the default option)
• Exact amounts (if someone owes more)
• Percentages (useful for rent if rooms are different sizes)
• By shares (if one person uses something more)

1. Add the date and an optional note or photo of the receipt.
2. Tap “Save” to record the expense.

Step 4: Monitor Balances and Simplify Payments

1. The main screen will now show who owes what to whom with clear, color-coded balances.
2. Splitwise automatically simplifies debts between multiple people, so you don’t end up with complicated payment chains.
3. When someone makes a payment, record it by tapping the “Settle Up” button.
4. Choose who is paying whom and enter the amount.
5. Select the payment method (cash, Venmo, PayPal, etc.) and save.

Step 5: Set Up Regular Reminders

1. Go to your group settings by tapping the three dots in the top-right corner.
2. Select “Reminders.”
3. Set up automated reminders to be sent to group members who have outstanding balances.
4. Choose the frequency (weekly or monthly works well for most households).

Tips and Considerations for Stress-Free Expense Sharing

Establish Ground Rules Early

Before you even download Splitwise, have a household meeting to establish some financial ground rules:

• Decide which expenses will be shared and which will remain individual.
• Agree on payment deadlines (e.g., everyone settles up by the 5th of each month).
• Determine how to handle varying usage (e.g., if one roommate is rarely home, should they pay less for utilities?).

Document these agreements in the “Notes” section of your Splitwise group for future reference.

Use Categories Effectively

Splitwise allows you to categorize expenses, which is helpful for:

• Seeing patterns in your household spending
• Identifying areas where you might need to budget better
• Keeping track of who typically pays for what

Common categories include Rent, Utilities, Groceries, Household Supplies, and Shared Activities.

Consider Recurring Expenses

For bills that don’t change (like rent) or subscription services:

1. Add them as recurring expenses in Splitwise.
2. Set the frequency (monthly, weekly, etc.).
3. Splitwise will automatically add these expenses on schedule, saving you time and ensuring nothing gets forgotten.

Integrate with Payment Apps

Splitwise works well with several payment platforms:

• Connect Venmo (US only) directly within the app for one-tap payments
• Use PayPal integration for international roommates
• Record cash payments or bank transfers manually

Handle Special Situations

For temporary guests or significant others who stay over regularly:

1. You can add them temporarily to specific expenses without adding them to the whole group.
2. Alternatively, create a separate “adjustment” expense to account for their share of utilities or groceries.

For departing roommates:

1. Make sure all expenses are recorded before they leave.
2. Use the “Settle all balances” feature to get a final tally.
3. Once everyone is paid up, you can remove them from the group.

Taking It to the Next Level

If your household is particularly organized, consider these advanced features:

• Export CSV reports for tax purposes or personal budgeting
• Use the Splitwise calculator for complex calculations like interest on shared investments
• Set up a group email address that forwards to Splitwise for automatic tracking of emailed bills

Handling the Chronically Forgetful Roommate

If you have a roommate who still “forgets” despite the app’s reminders:

1. Enable push notifications for all expense entries.
2. Schedule a monthly “finance check-in” where everyone reviews the Splitwise balances together.
3. Consider linking to automatic payment methods that require less active effort from forgetful roommates.

Conclusion

With Splitwise handling the awkward financial tracking and reminders, you can focus on building a positive roommate relationship instead of harboring resentment over who bought the last roll of paper towels. The app transforms “I think you owe me money” conversations into a simple, objective system that everyone can reference. Download it today, and you might find that the roommate who keeps “forgetting” suddenly has a much better memory when the numbers are clear, notifications are automatic, and the whole process is stress-free.