Is it typical for husband and wife share all expenses in half?

Question

Is it typical for husband and wife share all expenses in half? My husband makes more than me but he makes me share every expenses (food, house rental, utilities...) in half. Sometimes I just feel like we're roommates. Women usually has higher "maintence" costs such as cosmestics, outfits, hair... but it seems like he doesn't care or consider that. I just want to know if I'm thinking too much or being too ideal.

Answer 1

No I don't think this is typical, both your paychecks should be deposited in the bank and the bills paid from the checking account, it is ridiculous for him to think you and him should half the bills, tell him you are husband and wife not ROOMMATES!!! Good luck...

Answer 2

My husband and I use the percentage method. Up until 4 months ago we were making roughly the same income and thus splitting things half and half. Since then, he has landed a much better paying job and after sitting down together and having a discussion on our finances, we came to a mutual agreement of an adjustment that reflects both our incomes fairly.

I personally think it is really important to keep the communication line open. Money issues are one of the primary reasons marriages end in divorce. If you are even slightly troubled by your situation, you may want to go over your budget again. Don't be afraid too make mention of extra expenses or things you would like to change and bring them up. As your husband, he is also your partner and should be able to be mature enough to handle a well thought out conversation that would benefit both of you.

Answer 3

Husband And Wife Share

Answer 4

It depends upon the household and income factor,
as since you make less, then you and him need to
sit down and come to an agreement of some sort.
My wife does not work but in a way she pays be-
cause she cooks and keeps the house clean, and
does all the home chores, as some people have
a maid they pay to do that, and I accept it as help-
ing me out: I do give her money to let her buy the
things women buy as I love her and even though
I pay all the bills I am the man of the house and I
feel that part is my responsibility. Marriage is all
about sharing and making it as even as possible
when it can be done. In your case as you stated
you make less so let him know what you think is
fair as you don't ask him for any money to buy
your personal things that women buy, so you
should help pay the bills in a way that is fair to you.
Good luck.

Answer 5

Before answering the question, I would want to know his reason for doing insisting on that.

Are you living in one of those community property states where everything is split 50-50 if there is a divorce?

Has he or you ever declared bankruptcy or had financial issues in the past?

Are you just getting by paycheck to paycheck?

Have you had disputes about how discretionary income (money after the bills are paid) is spent?

Bottom line: Sounds like you need to have more communication, i.e. a conversation with your husband, and find out what's on his mind and let him know yours.

Answer 6

Cutting off income will only make her more defensive. Let her know the marriage is in jeopardy if the TWO of you don't find a resolution to this. Professional help will probably find your wife is suffering from a form of depression. Not many people are happy sitting at home reading books for 15 years without at least a hobby that produces some income.

Answer 7

We have been married for 19 yrs, my wife works too, and she gets confused when is time to pay half the bills. She likes saving for large investments, so I take care of all the daily/ monthly expenses. I tried the joint bank account but she found a way to start her own account when we started disagreeing. lol

I think sharing the expenses is a good idea but it shouldn't be mandatory because all incomes/expences/savings should be for the betterment of the "relationship." Talk it over with your husband and try to work out a compromise, ie. win/win for the "relationship." You can start a bank account, get a credit card and purchase the things that you need for yourself.

Answer 8

Whatever happened to 'love'? Is it totally gone out there? Ya might as well say "honey you take care of 65% of the bills and I will cover the rest. If the love is really there, then there is trust. One account with both people contributing what they can. If the marriage has no trust where we are keeping track of the dollars.. maybe should not be married. Now I keep track of my dollars too, but I would never marry anybody where that was an issue...

Answer 9

Bills have got to be paid and home expenses are shared by both of you.When the two of you decided to get married it was an equal decision.When the bills need paying it shouldn't be any different. The part about woman have higher maintenance cost shouldn't be included. These things you use are for you ( hair,cosmetics,clothing).If you approach him with this and talk about your concerns he may help out but I wouldn't depend on it every time.

Answer 10

You're right. My husband makes more then me, so he pays the mortgage and I pay all the other bills, which isn't that much because I'm the only one in the house right now. I hope that you guys can work out a better plan then what you have.

Good luck