How can we be lovers if we can’t share money?

Hi Scott,My husband works full time earning $87,526.00 p.a. while I work 27.5 hours per week and earn $38,818.00 p.a. We have two children, aged 18 and 15. My husband's wages are paid into an account in his own name, while mine is paid into a joint account. My husband gives me $750 per week from his wages and together with my wage I am expected to cover all of our expenses (home loan, insurances, utilities, school fees, children's expenses and groceries). Should my husband be contributing more?

Candice

Hi Candice,

No, I don’t think he should be contributing more. Honestly, I think you should have both your wages go into the one account -- so you can make spending decisions like a family. What I’d want to know is this: he’s bringing home $1,165. If he’s giving you $750, what’s he doing with the $415 a week?I annoy a lot of people when I say this, but it makes absolutely no sense to me that a husband and wife (who have children and are still on their first marriage), would separate their finances. None whatsoever. In all the years I’ve been doing this, I’ve never seen separate finances work out well. How can you share your dreams and goals if you don’t share your money?

Scott