Money question for married OOT'ers

[antidan444]

We have two checking accounts and a savings account, all of them joint. It works for us, but I really don't think there's any one "best" setup, and some setups that would work great for one couple would probably be a disaster for another couple.

I know I'm spouting off real deep stuff here ...

[OatmealJoe]

Married a number of years. Still have separate accounts. She likes to be independant and have control over her own money, but we occasionally shuffle some money back and forth. Whatever works for her works for me.

[casey_brick]

One joint checking acct. for bills and other monthly expences. Three savings accts, 1 for her, 1 for me, 1 for us.

I guess you just find what works for the two of you best and go with that.

[trapsetter]

[ QUOTE ]
trapsetter,

How do you currently take care of monthly finances such as rent , groceries, bills, and waht not? Do you write separate checks to cover them?

[/ QUOTE ]

For rent we write separate checks. My wife pays the electric bill, and she also pays the maid. I take care of basically everything else. I have a higher income, so I have always felt it was fair

However, with my wife about to quit her job (we're expecting our first baby in 2 weeks), I'm reconsidering whether there's any point in having separate accounts. Outside of monitoring and comparing our individual spending more closely, the only reason to do it is for her to have a sense of freedom about spending, and not feel like she's totally dependent on me for money (even though she is).

In any case, our savings account and brokerage account are joint accounts, and that's where most of our net worth is. So this really isn't a big deal either way.

[kyleb]

If I get married, I will never have a full joint checking account with my wife. [censored] that. I'll have a joint account to cover monthly expenses that are shared, but I'm keeping my own personal accounts.

[inside??]

Joint account is the way to go. If one person is better at managing money put them in charge. If you are both responsible that should be no problem. I see nothing wrong with having a separate account for poker as that may ease any security trepidations that she has. It will also make is easier for you if you need it for a happy ending.

[nickg1532]

getting married this summer. we already have a joint account, but we have been living together for a while, so most of our major expenses are shared anyways. plan to continue w/ the joint method, as it has worked pretty well.

[NicksDad1970]

If it werks for ya that's awesome. My wife doesn't work so two diff accounts makes no sense

[KJS]

[ QUOTE ]
If I get married, I will never have a full joint checking account with my wife. [censored] that. I'll have a joint account to cover monthly expenses that are shared, but I'm keeping my own personal accounts.

[/ QUOTE ]

Been married 5 years, this is what we do.

KJS

PS to OP: this thread was done last month. Search is your friend.

[Your Mom]

[ QUOTE ]
If I get married, I will never have a full joint checking account with my wife. [censored] that. I'll have a joint account to cover monthly expenses that are shared, but I'm keeping my own personal accounts.

[/ QUOTE ]

why?