[el ess A]

Someone brought up the separate vs common bank accounts.

My wife and I make comparable incomes. We decided many moons ago that she has HER bank account, I have mine, and then we have a third- a "household common" account that we both contribute to so as to pay the mortgage, car insurance, power bills, etc.

The only account that gets "audited" is the household common account to ensure that we have enough in the account to handle all the household needs. I have no idea how much she has in her account and unless she asks, she doesn't have a clue on how much I have in my personal account. I buy all my "toys" from that account. NO ISSUES OVER MONEY. NONE.

Many so-called relationship experts say that doing it the way we do is destructive to a relationship. Bullcrap. I say, whatever works for the BOTH of you is how you proceed, even if it's not a traditional financial arrangement.

And Ruby, my #2 comment about never seeking relationship advice on a car forum was only tongue-in-cheek. Advice here is free, find it however you can get it.