Re: For those married couples living with the husband’s family…
^ This. Expecting a non-earning parent to pay is ridiculous. If the parents are well-to-do and have their own income, I still wouldn’t expect them to pay for the mortgage or household bills. Sure, if there are luxurious extras the PILs expect ***and they can afford for themselves ***(i.e. the latest electronic gadgets, new car, vacations), I’d think they should consider paying part of it or going without the latest IPad or trip to Turkey, especially if the couple doesn’t have disposable income and is saving for their own rainy day.
As for the BILs - if the BILs have limited income and are saving for school/buy a home/wedding - I’d probably not expect them to contribute either, but that’s if the couple is comfortably off. If the couple is struggling to make ends meet for just basic household expenses, then everyone should pitch in, however they can.
Yes, more people in the home means higher utility/food bills - but how much of a difference does it make?