Betsy,

You said:

When he comes home, we will never combine finances
again. It worked well--don't misundertand me. But I
want us both to feel like we're bringing value into our
family. Neither one of us is materialistic or
spendthrifts, so this will work for us. We will both meet
obligations that we are expected to meet and the extra is
ours to do as we will.

Neither one of us wants to be in the position and put
the other in the position of having to justify our
purchases or make the other feel guilty for spending
money. Does this make sense?


Amen sister!

Pre-separation, Husband made the lion's share of the money...and PIB spent the lion's share of the money.

Separation: PIB moved in with her parents, and her Dad taught her how to handle money.

Reconcilation: Monkey suggested combining our accounts again...PIB said "NO WAY!! I like being in charge of my own money! Makes me feel like a strong/happy/responsible adult!"

Post-reconciliation:

I buy very few 'fun' items due to my tight budget. Paying off my car and saving up to pay for my house. So, I'm frugal and careful!

And yet, last week, I spent $23 on a notebook/scrapbook.

I happily told Monkey about it. And he STILL complained that I was spending too much.

(need rolly eyes icon!)

I gently reminded Monkey that I've been very careful with my money and that it's my money.

He agreed and apologize.

So...what I'm trying to say with all this....

is Brucey is absolutely right! I 100% agree that going to separate accounts is a positive thing!

Hugs!


PIB