I currently manage 100% of the finances (sole provider, pay all bills, file taxes, etc.). She has a credit card which she uses freely and we review all of the transactions together every month or so. She is annoyed at this process (as her transactions are scrutinized) but complies and generally we feel like we are on the same page afterwards.

Over time her spending has increased and she basically buys whatever she feels like. I haven't had a problem because I have been playing a great offense game. Before the pill, I felt like the man because I was making so much money so I didn't even have to worry about her uncapped spending. After the pill, I feel like an ATM machine and me spitting out unlimited money feels more like me being taken advantage of.

I think she may be more considerate with her spending and appreciate me more if she took more of an active role in the finances (this may be flawed thinking - let me know your thoughts). I have been considering breaking our single bank account and credit cards into three separate accounts:

  • My personal accounts
  • Her personal accounts
  • Our family accounts

I would fund her personal account with some base amount of money and then have a monthly transfer into her account. This would essentially be 100% her money and she could do whatever she wants with it. She would then have her own credit card and be responsible for paying off the card with the money in her account.

Things would get a little more complicated with the family account, as there would probably need to be a family credit card and we would use that card for any joint expenses (home maintenance, things for kids, etc.). She may have a tendency to charge to that account if she runs out of money but this could be resolved with the monthly checkup on the family account. Any of her personal withdrawals could count against the next transfer into her personal account.

I've only done finances one way in the five years we have been married. I'm hoping to hear feedback on my plan above as well as any other ways you guys have been successful with managing finances with your wife.