Disclaimer: I'm not married
But if I was married, then I would have a joint checking account for living expenses such as mortgage, utilities, food, etc. Also, a joint savings and investing account. Then separate accounts for our own spending that we can use for whatever we want. The separate spending money accounts would be just that...for spending money on stuff we individually like. The lionshare of our incomes would go the joint accounts.
I have to agree with Rawtid and Meech in terms of using marriage to better your financial situation as a couple. That's one of the major pros to being married...double the money means double the investing power, purchasing power, double cash reserves, etc. Not to mention, bigger returns on investments due to more capital being invested. I don't know why someone would get married and not take advantage of that.
Not to mention, does anyone really think that separate accounts wouldn't get touched during divorce proceedings? Do you think you spouse would just forget about that account(s) or the stash you kept on the side? And even if you didn't let them know about all the money, you don't think your spouse, who's been with you for years, wouldn't suspect that you did? And maybe hire a PI, which happens leading up to and during divorce, to find said money?
I just think it would be silly to not use one of the better assets that comes with marriage-from a strictly financial perspective. I'm not saying to not have some money for yourself, but if you're not willing to work as a team, then what's the point?
Peace
