Joint or Separate - or Both?

Separate, joint - or a combination of both? That is the question. I'm talking about finances! This week, the NBC Nightly News is taking a closer look at: "Marriage - The State of our Unions." Very cheesy...but also very interesting. We happened to catch it on Monday...and Tuesday and Wednesday (Dan has a thing for Brian Williams). What we found interesting was the story on how married couples now-a-days manage their finances. (Here's a link to the story on MSNBC.com: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17803471/)

They say that 37% of women keep some type of separate account. We've been thinking about this for a while, how we'll combine our assets and accounts, all that mumbo jumbo when we tie the knot. While it isn't practical to maintain completely separate accounts - I joked with Dan about going "halfsies" on our mortgage someday - I see some benefits to keeping my checking account. First, I would drive Dan completely nuts with all of my daily, small deductions ($5 at Subway, $3 at CVS, etc.). Second, I would like to maintain some sense of independence financially. Third, we don't necessarily keep the same spending habits. Dan goes shopping like twice a year - and drops a larger amount of $$ on those two occasion. On the other hand, I spend money - not necessarily more (that's probably a lie) on a more frequent basis. Hello, I'm a chick - I can't help it!

This segment had some very interesting quotes:

It's not romantic, but we're talking about a generation raised on equality. Keeping money separate means husbands never get to ask, "You paid how much for those shoes?" It's not romantic, but we're talking about a generation raised on equality. Keeping money separate means husbands never get to ask, "You paid how much for those shoes?"

While we will most likely have a joint "main" account, I imagine I'll still squirrel away some "discretionary" funds for my own use. It's an interesting debate, and one we've seen covered in other outlets as well. In the April issue of Money Magazine (Dan has a subscription), they cover it also.

I'm off - to shoe shop online - (ha!) Actually, I am, sort of. Each year, Dan and I compete just with each other in a March Madness pool - and I won. He can't catch up with me point wise, I've locked it in with the final four! In the past, we've bet a nice dinner, movie of winner's choice, etc. This year, I decided if I won, Dan would have to buy me a pair of shoes of my choice. Within reason of course - as I am a very reasonable person:) So - here I go. New shoes await!