Marriage and Money

Getting married in the fall. We're buying a house in June.

I'll probably be managing the bills. Is joint account the way to go? Keep them separate like they are now? We're not talking about a shit ton of money, but I've never been married before and I want finances to be a very small worry.

 

Every couple does it differently. As for us, we have joint and seperate accounts and I handle all the bills. The savings accounts are joint and checking accounts seperate. My parents have everything joint. Do whatever you guys feel comfortable with and try not to argue about money.

 

I hate to sound cavalier but having just been through a divorce where a lot of our disagreements were about money, keep your accounts and credit cards separate. Start a joint account to pay your joint bills out of. Come to an agreement on the amount each of you will contribute to that account and do everything else on your own.

 

I tried splitting the bills but that lead to fights when she did not pay stuff on time, especially when it was in my name because she has no credit. What we do now is that I pay all the bills and she gives me a portion of her check to cover her part. She keeps the rest of her money and does what she wants with it, as do I.

 

Thank ya'll for the info, especially yours, Sly. I want to have as few arguments as possible about money. I'd rather it be about me looking at her best friend's rack or something.

 

I am married and this ain't my first rodeo, let's just say. I couldn't agree more with Sly's post. Agree on what each contributes...and STICK WITH IT!! And don't begrudge if one puts in more than the other...once you agree on how much each contributes, don't bring it up again unless you need to adjust.

 

Remember: You share. Your money is her money and her money is her money too.

 

we have several accounts but they are ALL joint accounts

there is no other way

my only other account is called CASH

 

I made it easy. I'm getting married to a middle school math teacher who doesn't make money. Works out just fine.

 

We have always had separate accounts. If I knew all the stuff she blew her money on we would always be arguing about it.