i'm not posting anything cause my wife may join this forum (site) since she has her Heritage (maybe she'll stay in the softail forum)

 

Wow, almost identical to my scenario.

We separated back in late 07, reconciled 10 months later. We now operate on separate finances as well. I prefer not being responsible for her finances, and she likes not having to check with me before making purchases (and likewise).

Like you I buy what I want, when I want, without having to get anyones permission, and she does the same. So long as the communal bills get paid, it's all good.

 

This just wouldn't work for us. We've been married 16 years and we both have worked for the same place and sit 4 foot apart from each other for our entire marriage. We get along great and don't argue much about money. I'm totally irresponsible when it comes to money, I'd spend every dime every month. She's totally the oposite. She'd save every dime and never spend anything but on bills. My allowance is just another bill to her. It works out great.

 

+1

If you think its hard to afford your toys while you're married, wait and try to afford them after you're divorced.

 

We were exactly opposite to that. I was always the financially responsible one while she just wanted to 'spend'.

True story: we got her a checking account early on in the marriage. She started getting bounce notices and, I kid you not, these words came out of her mouth:

"but...I still have checks left."



Our separation was partly due to her needing to figure out how to take care of herself (she'd never had to before. Long story for another time. ). She's still not as financially savvy as I am, but she's come a long way. She's been managing her own finances since we separated and had some hard lessons early on.

But back to the topic at hand...the last two weeks she's come home with new handbags, or new costume jewelry, or what have you. I'm fine with that and tell her "that's nice honey". So long as she has her half of the bills on the 1st and the 15th she can buy what she wants and I'll just simply smile and be happy for her.

 

My wife and I put our money together, are open with it and if we want something we have no problem telling the other. We usually save until we can pay cash and not owe. We did the this is my money, this is yours when we first married and finally figured out we had more money and less arguements just joining forces. We're both very happy with the arrangement. Plus she loves to buy me stuff for my bike

 

That's a HOOT!!!!! I thought that was just a joke, didn't know anyone actually ever said it!

 

I give this explanation to youngsters getting married.

It's a legal binding contract establishing a partnership. Forget the lovey-dovey stuff. It's a business.

Run it like a business where the money is one pile and purchases are discussed by the partners and you'll be OK.

 

+1,000,000,000,000 I think that's a trillion.

 

We have seperate accounts, she pays the bills and I buy what I want. Pretty simple.