Joint bank account -- totally necessary?

[bakofoil 27]

It does make sense, and if I weren't the ornery girl I am I would march down to the bank and open the checking account. But, to be frank, it's me what pays the bills right now and for the foreseeable future (unless the boy lands a plum role out in LA!). We have in the past paid in proportion to our earnings, and right now I earn considerably more than he does. So really, all the bills are going out of one account: mine. He gives me cash for his portion, which is fine by me -- I always like to have a little cash on me (note to VJers -- don't mug me!). Sometimes, I take the cash and spend it on things I know he needs but is too cheap to buy, because I really hate taking his money when he has so little in comparison to me.

I guess it's the principle of the thing. Why should I complete an unnecessary business transaction by placing money with a bank in order to satisfy a government agency as to the bona fides of my marriage? I will open a joint savings account, no probs with that, as it is saving together for our future. But to both of us, our checking accounts symbolise our own selves, and the right to determine at least part of our own expenditure.

Wow, I am getting waaaaaaay too philosophical about this.

Actually, that makes perfect sense to me too. Forget what I said