Is it normal that husband and wife split bills in USA?

Question

I heard that it's very normal husband and wife go dutch if they eat in a restaurant. Is that real?

Answer 1

I dont know about going dutch at a restaurant.
I have many friends that are married and have separate bank accounts and have certain Bills they pay out of their own account.

tbg

Answer 2

A real marriage (just my opinion) is a marriage of love, faith, friendship, responsibility, and finances.

I have seen the separate bills/accounts with other couples, and it tends to cause more problems than anything.

Typically, all the money goes to one account, a budget is made and agreed on, and typically the more responsible of the two will handle the finances.

Think of trying to run a small business where the business partners have the bills and income split. It would have many other issues and go bankrupt fairly quickly.

Keeping separate accounts for "spending" money, however, is not unusual when your primary shared account has plenty enough money to cover bills and emergencies. I usually put some away to save up for something I want when "extra" comes in. She knows about it, and does the same thing.

Communication and compromise are key when dealing with the finances.

Answer 3

My husband and I have seperate bank accounts...but that's because he is not very good with our finances. He will bounce the occasional check, overdraft, silly mistakes like that. So to keep my bills that I have to pay...paid, it's necessary for the time being. If we ever just had one...it would have to be in my name only or he would not be able to write checks. When we go out to eat, whoever has the money at the time pays, but whoever doesn't pay usually leaves the tip....never heard of a couple actually splitting the bill though.

Answer 4

No this is not normal but it does happen. Usually with 2 incomes, one or the other will pay the whole check and rotate turns. Many people have seperate bank accounts and seperate the bills for payment. One may pay utilities and the other pay the mortgage. This helps with taxes at the end of the year. Unless you don't make that kind of money!!!!

Answer 5

Yes.

Here's the gist.

Equality has a price. It's unreasonable to expect him to work, pay all the bills, wine and dine, fulfill her every need, and assume that she has no responsibility toward the financial obligations of the household.

The idea that a man should pay all the bills (be the expected generous and chivalrous person men are "supposed to be" and that she should keep all her money to with as she pleases isn't fair to him, or to the relationship. This makes a wage slave of the man and gives her unprecedented freedom financially. Marriage is a partnership, not a financial obligation for the man and a free ride for a woman.

This doesn't mean they can't alternate paying for various things. As far as separate accounts. it makes sense. Each partner in today's relationship should have a separate account and then a joint account may be established if they so wish to pay joint bills in this way.

The idea that his money is their money and her money her is her money is ludicrous and completely unfair!

Answer 6

In some couples yes.
But in my personal opinion, since divorce is too rampant here, people do keep their independence in terms of financial issues. That's the reson why couples here need to have separate bank accounts.

My husband and i have separate bank accounts but we both have access to each other's accounts for better monitoring of our finances. And we don't go dutch treat when we eat out. We take turns :)

Answer 7

It would seem to be happening more often than before. It shows a lack of total commitment for the marriage. I don't know if this is a caused by or a hedge against the 50% divorce rate.
Fewer married couples subscribe to the "what's mine is mine and what's yours is mine" one big pot theory.

Answer 8

Yes

Answer 9

Umm well it is kind of odd for a husband and wife to have separate finances, to start. From that point, no it is not particularly strange.

Answer 10

It happens but I wouldn't say it's common. It's difficult because even if they have the exact same jobs women make less money.