Question about joint finances between husband and wife?

Question

My husband and I keep separate checking accounts but budget for "joint" things like the mortgage, utilities, etc. When we want to buy something for ourselves we just buy it with our own money so we don't argue. It works pretty well, except for one area: home redecorating. I say that's a "joint" thing b/c it's improving the look and feel of our outdated 70s home. He says it's a hobby and should come out of my own money. I'm not talking thousands; just a new light fixture and some new curtains now and then. Would you consider that something to share or something I should pay for?

Answer 1

If it doesn't bother him then you are replacing it for yourself. I believe thing that fall into the category of preference fall solely on the person that wants to replace it. In the long run you both need to make better decisions for things you will have to look at for years. If you want him to really care you might want to GIRLY things up a bit and tell him if he wants a say he needs to pay for it.

Answer 2

I can see why you're view is one sided, but don't assume that you're going to have that same problem. Your mom and dad's relationship has nothing to do with yours because you're two different people. When my fiancé and I get married in August we will have a joint checking account for our business and for our personal finances. Reason.... It's easier on me. My fiancé has had bad credit due to medical reasons, he's spent the last several years rebuilding his credit. But he's not exactly the most financially responsible person. I save...save save with no reason what so ever. He has to have a reason. So I'll be in charge of all of that. We'll make large purchases and things that will affect 'us' together. And he'll always know what goes in and out but it'll be my responsibility to pay bills, balance our account, and put things into savings. My parents carry their financial responsibilities the same way, my mom runs the bank/savings accounts and pay all the bills. I think we often end up doing what our parents do.

Answer 3

My husband and I have joint accounts, and it makes things so much easier. We don't argue about things we buy for ourselves because neither of us go overboard.

In your case, this is tricky. If you are both benefiting, then its a shared expense. If only one of you benefits, then only one of you pays. In this case, it sounds as if he doesn't care about having new light fixtures or curtains. They are something that you want and he doesn't...therefore, you're the only one benefiting and should be the only one paying.

Answer 4

Something to share. You both live in that house so you should both contribute to its looks. And in a family it is always one person that is more inclined to change things around the house - in our case it's my husband. If it was up to him, he would change everything every 2 years. I am the one who thinks it is usually not necessary to spend the money. But we always talk about it and I usually agree with his demands when they are reasonable. Sometimes he agrees that this particular change is just a waste of money at the right moment so we wait. But it always a joint decision.

Answer 5

My husband and I do the same thing and my basic rule is- I don't spend "our" money unless it's something we agree on. If your husband agrees that the home needs to be fixed up and hates the 70s decor as well, then you should agree on the changes and split the costs but if it's really only you that wants the changes, you should pay for it.

Answer 6

If he's fine with the way it is and you want it different, then it's up to you to pay for it. He may be benefiting too, but he isn't the one that wants to change it. The plus side to this would be, you get to pick whatever you want and he can't complain, since you bought it. Right?
If you both have to agree on which style, then it should be joint purchase.

Answer 7

When he wants a new HDTV for the upcoming football season do you split that cost? Since it goes in the "joint" house?

I think also that if it is something YOU want you should pay. If you are going to do a major remodel of the bathroom that you both want then you split it!

Answer 8

My husband and I practice separate checking accounts as well (some may differ but it works beautifully for us) However, if we're out and I see something I want to buy to decorate our house it goes something like this:

If we agree on the item he'll buy it if I can't;
If we don't agree on the item he'll say "I'm not buying that; use your money" so I save and buy it.

No biggie.

Answer 9

Updating your home will only add value to it if you ever sold it. I would at least make a note of how much your investment increased the value of your home and take that in account. (25-30%)

Answer 10

hate to break it to you but all money is joint money even is separate accounts. If you put your own money in and divorce it will all be considered marital property any way.