What are your thoughts?!

Me and my SO have been together for 4 years. Ever since we started dating, our finances have always been separate. Both of us like the freedom to make purchases without consulting the other... We are also very smart when it comes to staying on a budget. The problem is - I took a big pay cut when I moved out of state with him 2 years ago. I have been too stubborn to admit that my finances have been tight. I would like to suggest the idea of either combining accounts or creating an account that is a "housing fund pool"... Thoughts?!