After I ended up screwing up a couple of times, I handed it over to W. In spite of the fact that she can be a real b!tch on wheels, she has done great with our finances

I assumed this is why she does the finances...

I want my wife to continue being the one in charge of the finances. I admit that I can spend irresponsibly, and she keeps me in check.

Do you remember Underdogs comments in Karen1's thread about how her H wanted her to just know that he wanted to do the fiannces even though she was quite capable of them?

Maybe there is some sort of reverse of that going on here.
Do you think she likes 'keeping you in check'?
Sounds like a mom's role.
Instead of admitting you can spend irresponsibly, how about proving you are responsible, take the stress off of her for a while, and become the NO man, a d!ckhead on wheels so to speak. Think it could up her respect of you?

It would sure put you outside of your comfort zone, telling your wife NO to this or that purchase, and I bet even though she will B!tch alittle, she has been in that seat and will respect it. \

Confidance comes directly from courage.
Would this take courage on your part?

Even your son has voiced tht this is a good thing, and something he admires and respects .

at any rate if you ended up seperated or single again it is something she is good at that you say you need to work on.

as for hairymat... Ive noticed. Its good to see.

Oh yeah , if you end up 'in poverty' its not my fault.
LOL