Would you be mad if your spouse spend $1200 without asking?

Question

Our finances are joint. She said she needed some clothes - no problem. When she came back she told me that she spent maybe a little more than I thought she would...maybe $400? Not sure she left the receipt in the car. I later find out it was just under $1200.
I am mad because we can't just spend money like that without consulting the other - we are not rich. The issue is not whether or not this will ruin us, because it won't, but - don't you have to at least discuss it with your husband/wife before you make a big purchase (maybe >$200)? I would never spend that kind of money without at least telling her I needed something.
She thinks I am just being cheap and is missing the point. If she really needed these clothes ok - fine. But the issue is that she made a big purchase without telling me. Is this not a big deal?

My wife also uses x as her screen name. Real creative, eh???

I'd like to point out that this is an outlier - this is not normal. Usually she will ask me how much we can afford - she always goes over, so if she can have $400 I tell her $200, so when she spends $400 that's OK.

Answer 1

I would be more mad at the fact she lied to me about how much she spent more so then the amount in general...You both should try to come to some sort of agreement that you cant go over X amount of dollars when out shopping without calling the other for an OK.

Answer 2

Of course!!!!!!!! Girl what wher you thinking???Spending sooooo much money just on clothes??If I were you, I would probably go with her to the store so i could see what she purchased. I understand that you have everything together, but is she going to pay the $$$ she went over. She better!!!! I am not rich either, and i always consult with my husband before any purchases are made. I believe that there should be communication, and come on, she would still get what she wanted if she only asked. Right?? us women get what we want no matter what.

Answer 3

Wow, $1200 on clothes? I have never spent that much in my lifetime. I think I would insist that she return them. No one needs clothes that expensive, especially when every penny counts. She is apparently not very responsible with money. Yes, big purchases like that should be talked over beforehand. Even if she had absolutely NO clothes, there is no reason to spend so much.

Answer 4

There's no rule that says it but I agree a purchase over $500 to me is major and should be discussed before doing so. Several purchases like this in a row could become a financial burden. Hopefully she at least got you a watch. If not that is "really" selfish. Not to add fuel to the fire but my fiance' at least buys me a little something too when she goes over. Like a peace offerring.

Answer 5

Large purchases such as this... should be discussed first. She is just being selfish and you might want to keep an eye on the account from now on. That is a bit much for clothes, unless she had NONE.

Answer 6

We always discuss big purchases, but I wouldn't get angry at him because he works and if he feels that he needs something that costs that much maybe he does. Why should I question him? If it became a regular occurance then I would start to worry.

Answer 7

Yes i would be mad,but i would then make sure i don't give her the card or cards again.Or leave it in any place were she can get a hold of it.I would take the money out of the account myself,Change the account number or numbers, especially if she knows the number to more than one account.Then i would give the money to her.I wouldn't leave it in my pants pocket,on the dresser,Even in places you don't think she'd look,that may be the first place she looks.

Answer 8

My husband makes big purchases but it's with his own money and he always pays it off before the interest kicks in so I don't get too concerned about it.

If it was my own money, then there'd be problems - but the solution is easy, don't ever set up a joint checking account.

Answer 9

Heck yeah I'd be mad at any purchases that came up to that amount...no respect for the other person.

Answer 10

Your right!!! Tell Her To take The Clothes Back.