Financial Arrangements between couple?

[George and Movi 1]

My husband and I are joining our funds for bill paying.

Right now as I don't have a job he pays everything. We have a joint account and he has a separate account (soon i'll arrange my own separate one but it's pointless when I don't have an income yet ).

My plan is to have our income go into the one account, and have a set amount sent to our individual accounts for personal spending. I don't like the idea of using my husbands money to get my hair cut and dyed (when a cut would do), or buy silly little things that I want but don't actually "need". He has no issue with it but I like the idea of spending MY money on his presents, not his money to buy him a present

I personally believe that if one member of the family earns more, then they should spend more on bills. It doesn't really apply to our situation but for example my in-laws.

My MIL pays the mortgage and FIL pays elec, gas, water etc. They 50/50 split the bills which i don't agree with because she earns about double what he does. He completely supported the family while she went to school and stayed home with the kids but she's a ###### and doesn't think back to everything HE did for HER. it's always about her. The reason it's like it is now is because she LOVES to spend money and when they had a joint account she often forgot to pay bills (she told him she would pay them) or spent too much from their joint account and they got over-drawing charges and late fees etc.

Anyway. As always it's a personal decision. Like you said family is impt to me too. I want my family (kids) to know our home is the FAMILY home, it's not "mum and dad's house". I want my family to know if they need help to come and ask and I'll do everything I can. I don't want my kids paying ridiculous amounts back in student loans when I had 18 years to save money for them... even longer if you start planning in advance. I think they should have a sense of responsibility though and work while studying (part-time or casual) but I think I should have SOME money to help them out. I also want my kids to work hard for scholarships too... education is important to me. Just $50 a month is just over $10k in 18 years. Instead of looking at a tax refund as a new TV it could be seen as a nice chunk to put to savings.

Im glad to hear abt your belief that if one earns more then has to spend more on bills. Thats logical for the common good of the family! Its for that reason that residents are taxed according to how much one earns. Its interesting that people are smart enough to learn from other people's way of spending or financial arrangements, just like that of your inlaws. I agree planning in advance is very important. Thanks for sharing your ideas.

[George and Movi 1]

Hi, Im not a US citizen but heres my opinion about this topic, me and my husband who is currently a CW4 in US army has provided everything for me, i have my filipino food every week, i have my filipino channel since i came here, he send money to my mom every month. he pays all the bills, he dont allow me to work because he wants me to stay at home and now having a baby. when he buy something he always ask me whats my opinion or if i like it, we never debate or argue, just be supportive and not destructive. and i even have my monthly allowance even im staying at home. yes me and husband will provide college education for the child future, but most of the talk he wants to do it by himself.

You may not be earning but you are taking care of the household, taking care of your family and soon to be baby, then, thats fair enough that your husband provides you with all your needs and the niceties of life. Both of you has his/her own respective roles to be performed as family. The allowance you receive becomes your own money, and it is always fun to utilize your own money wisely - either spend or save it. Enjoy being a mother. Its a joy to be at home and take care of your child and witness the important moments in your child's life as she/he grows.Good luck!

[kilipit 0]

You may not be earning but you are taking care of the household, taking care of your family and soon to be baby, then, thats fair enough that your husband provides you with all your needs and the niceties of life. Both of you has his/her own respective roles to be performed as family. The allowance you receive becomes your own money, and it is always fun to utilize your own money wisely - either spend or save it. Enjoy being a mother. Its a joy to be at home and take care of your child and witness the important moments in your child's life as she/he grows.Good luck!

Hi that is true, i do all the household cleaning and he really appreciate it so much, i never allow him to do household work because its not that too hard to do, now he is moving in Korea and im about to move there after i give birth. i do agree that couples should have open talk about finances, i still wanted to work in the future but husband is not yet decide especially working in Military is allot of adjustment for moving and he might come back in Iraq after Korea. before i came here we already talk about everything, and he already discussed it to me. Thanks for comment, hope to share more later. Godbless