Married -- Joint Checking?

Question

If you are married, should you have a joint checking? If not, why even get married.

It's not about the money!! The way I feel is that when you marry you are one, I truly believe that.

Answer 1

THERE SHOULD BE NO QUESTION ABOUT IT THAT SHOULD BE ONE OF THE VERY FIRST THINGS YOU DO TOGETHER AS MAN AND WIFE ALONG WITH EVERYTHING ELSE THAT NEEDS TO BE CHANGE.

Answer 2

Are you married?
Someone said "It is not about the money", I agree with that.
On the other hand money is usually the #1 problem in marriage today. Who will pay the bills, who will balance the checkbook? Who is spending a lot and who is not, what is it being spent on?
I have found that in my own experience, money played a big part in my marriage. I came from a well-to-do family, and he did not. His parents had to struggle for everything they had, mine did not.
I am part owner of a family business, which meant I got big checks that went in to our joint checking account. Some I would stick away, some I would use to live off of, pay bills, that sort of thing. I was the one that did the checkbook and payed the bills. My ex did not like doing those things. Anyways, wether you come from a situation like mine or his, I would suggest a single checking account for both of you, that way you both are responsible for your own spending habits, and one spouse can not blame the other spouse for spending to much money(or too little). If you choose to go with a joint account I commend you for it. If you both can sit down and come up with some sort of agreement on how money will be spent, like where and on what, that is half the battle. Making compromises and having a budget will help, and you want to both be aware of what is going on financially.
When I got divorced, any of my money I got from the company went into my checking account first, then into other investments. I had to give him 1/2 of what was in the joint checking account because both our names were on it. If it was only in my name he would not have gotten a dime, except for the property settlement from what we accumulated together, but that is another story. Whatever you choose make the right decision for you, then stick by your decision. Good Luck.

Answer 3

Honey, finances are a big deal in a marriage. Joint checking in these times can lead to many problems. I don't think though that you should be frozen out of your spouse's account, but at the same time should be careful until you both are totally 100% comfortable with each other's spending habits before you do the joint checking.

Answer 4

My fiance and I plan on having 2 joint checking accounts. I will put my paychek in one and he will deposit his in the other. We can both use each account, but we don't have to argue over who gets the checkbook when we are separated during the day. This also gives a sense of independence and a backup plan since we arrange our finances to fit one paycheck, even though we make two. We want to be prepared in case one of us can't work.
by the way, there are lots more reasons to get married then just bank accounts!

Answer 5

Marriage is not about joint checking accounts.

My husband and I have a joint account, but even if we didn't that wouldn't be a sign that we shouldn't be married.

Answer 6

my husband and i have joint checking accounts.. i don't see why you wouldn't... definitely i agree with you.. why get married? if you can't even share a checking account.. you might as well just be roommates... you pay this bill, i'll pay that one. how dumb. i have some friends that were like that and their marriage was a shambles! learn how to share money.. and if you think you need your own account to be independent.. screw it.. that's not what marriage is about. it's about being one, and doing things together.

Answer 7

Joint checking is not a good idea unless you can truly have an understanding about each other.

I had a joint account , but not anymore after my wife withdrew $89,000.00

A lesson learned.

Answer 8

Give it up. I had the same idea. Maybe in a perfect world, but the fact is, your spouse may just want the idea of having something separate in life. It's probably not about the money for your spouse, either.

Let go of your pride and give in. There are other battles much more important than this one. Declare peace and move on.

Answer 9

My husband and I have 3 accounts a joint , which I pay the bills with. I have a single account and so does he. This works for us.

Answer 10

"If not, why even get married"???

My hubby and I do have a joint checking account, but I didn't get married JUST to have one. And it wouldn't have been a deal-breaker for me if he had had reservations about it.

Answer 11

What does checking accounts have to do with marriages? I don't see the connection here? Anyway my husband and I have separate accounts, it works for us. I am not hiding or keeping money from him and he dont do that to me. If he needs money and I have some I will give it to him - it is still our money.