[scarface74]

I’ve been married for 10 years we manage our separate accounts. But they are all joint accounts. She has “her” bills and I have “my” bills. Those are just bills we take responsibility for.

When she was working, I transferred money to “her” account when needed to pay “her” bills. We also have a separate account for “household” spending like groceries. I deposited money into that account when I got paid. But she manages it.

If she wants me to pick up groceries out of the account. She would give me a list and either she or I would transfer the money to “my” account.

[capableweb]

Instead of transferring money back and forward, why not have one account that is "our" money that both of you spend from?

[scarface74]

That defeats the whole purpose of separate accounts. I know exactly how much I can spend at any given time just by looking at my account. It’s the lack of needing to coordinate anything. I know that the only way that money will leave that account is if I spend it. We see each other’s accounts so it isn’t secret.

[kyawzazaw]

Doesn't a credit card with authorized users do exactly this?

[scarface74]

Then it’s the issue of overcharging. You know when your checking account is $0 that you can’t spend. Besides, many bills can’t be paid with credit cards.