So how do you guys handle the checkbook and money?

I remember being a young man and hearing older coworkers say, they sign their check over to their wife. I though never ever would I do that. Well, a few years in, my job required me to be away 6 months. She took over the checkbook. Since then it has become her money and there is never money left over after the bills, hair appointments, gas bill from running 60 miles back and forth to inlaws....etc. I am picking golf up again. I let it be known, I was joing a country club. I have been getting attitude about it and was told it won't fit in the budget. Bull hockey!!! Yes it will.

So I'm opening a bank account in my name only and my paycheck will deposit there. We had separate accounts until my 6 months away. We have had a joint account thee last 10 years. I'm taking back over, paying the bills and what is left is mine. I will give her an allowance but it won't cover what she has been spending. I got a feeling. It is about to get ugly. Ha!

Background: 15 years married. I have always been the bread winner. I have paid 100% of the household expenses the last 13 years. She has been a SAHM after a layoff and the birth of our 2nd child 10 years ago. Now we have a 3rd and I pay daycare for that one. So she can attend school during the day. I have been more than generous. I've bought houses, furniture. She is on her 5th car in 15 years. Im driving a truck that I bought 10 years ago. now she wants to tell me I can't afford a hobby? Heck no! Anyway, I could go on and on. OH! Yes I do the lions share of the housework and kids duties with her attending school and studying.

So if I'm paying all the bills, doing housework and keeping up with kids, I should have all authority over the money.