When I read that, it made me think of my in-laws and I'm not assuming this is your situation. Do a lot of couples keep separate accounts? Every time we go out to dinner with her parents, the check comes and they both reach for their phones to calculate their portion of the bill. It gets to the point where we'll just grab the check and pay for it. It sounds like they split everything, mortgage, groceries, utilities, etc.
I paid. With gratitude for her taking in a wretch like me.
We have separate accounts, she volunteered to be the bookkeeper, paying all the bills (other than my CCs and car payment). She invoices me monthly, I drop to the floor, raising my fists to the sky and shout, "Why? Why?" and Venmo her my share.
Not an issue, I have a few more $ than she does and I plan to well spend it on us. And, of course, cars.
Dropped the naked BMW off this am, asked if the shop works on British cars. Nope (other than Land Rover), takes too long to get parts, not enough demand for them to hire/train a Brit specialty tech. And, with that, the Aston Martin DB11 takes one step back...
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
you want financial hemmoraging? waiting for an estimate for the landscaper to build a base for the shed we just paid for so I don't have to do it (for some reason my wife keeps telling me to not kill myself and my iffy back). And the custom closet lady did a nice design for our pantry, just waiting for the price on that. The fence we have a quote for, just deciding how much we want to cut checks for at the same time.
oh, the other bright idea. We will be short one real bed for a couple of days at Thanksgiving. so the solution is to just have the furniture store deliver the new bedroom set we reserved when we bought the dining room set. That would free up our bed to move into the extra bedroom. It is a very nice Amish built tank of a set, and we really want to upgrade to the king sized bed. Just a lot to spend (plus the cost of the mattress!) for a few days. But what the heck, can't take it with you, and did we really want to retire (the answer to that is heck yeah!)
at this point, we just want everything done and are going with the do it all so we can enjoy it sooner, and pay it off later!
————————————————- I tend to agree with you. From the list of things you’ve been telling us you just bought, on top of the mansion, you probably don’t have enough time to pay them all off. So enjoy them now while you’re still on this side of the grass.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
When I read that, it made me think of my in-laws and I'm not assuming this is your situation. Do a lot of couples keep separate accounts? Every time we go out to dinner with her parents, the check comes and they both reach for their phones to calculate their portion of the bill. It gets to the point where we'll just grab the check and pay for it. It sounds like they split everything, mortgage, groceries, utilities, etc.
I can’t imagine separate accounts! We have friends that do it. They even have their vacation homes separate. She bought the investment property in FL with her parents and he owns the trailer and land in the mountains. Seems so weird to me!
The only thing my wife and I have separate is our 401K (each other’s beneficiaries) and her work stock option account.
We have our checking account, and she has her checking account.
When I read that, it made me think of my in-laws and I'm not assuming this is your situation. Do a lot of couples keep separate accounts? Every time we go out to dinner with her parents, the check comes and they both reach for their phones to calculate their portion of the bill. It gets to the point where we'll just grab the check and pay for it. It sounds like they split everything, mortgage, groceries, utilities, etc.
———————————————— I never understood having separate accounts when you’re married.
Although like I’ve said before, we’ve had a 50/50 relationship. I made it and she spent it.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
@kyfdx said:
If you stay with the same carrier, you can usually find a deal. When I upgraded from the 8 to the 12 mini (after about five years), with trade-in, it was $1/month for 36 months.
Just 3 months to go! Can't wait to get rid of that payment!
But they charge far more for their service than other plans out there. That’s how they get ya. I’m much happier paying $25/mo for service and just buy my phone.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
But they charge far more for their service than other plans out there. That’s how they get ya. I’m much happier paying $25/mo for service and just buy my phone.
What carrier?!
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
I’m with Mint Mobile and pay for service yearly to get a discount. I just buy an unlocked phone and a couple of covers/cases that I like and take 0% financing on my Apple Card.
Checking account - well, I’m single, so I only have the one, in my name only. If I ever got married, I’m not sure how that part would work. Hate to be a killjoy, but I’d definitely have a prenup.
I’m with Mint Mobile and pay for service yearly to get a discount. I just buy an unlocked phone and a couple of covers/cases that I like and take 0% financing on my Apple Card.
Checking account - well, I’m single, so I only have the one, in my name only. If I ever got married, I’m not sure how that part would work. Hate to be a killjoy, but I’d definitely have a prenup.
The older you get, the more it makes sense. We were practically just kids (23) when we married, so our entire adult lives were built together.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
I’m with Mint Mobile and pay for service yearly to get a discount. I just buy an unlocked phone and a couple of covers/cases that I like and take 0% financing on my Apple Card.
Checking account - well, I’m single, so I only have the one, in my name only. If I ever got married, I’m not sure how that part would work. Hate to be a killjoy, but I’d definitely have a prenup.
The older you get, the more it makes sense. We were practically just kids (23) when we married, so our entire adult lives were built together.
————————————————- You were kids weren’t you? I turned 25 on our honeymoon. Mrs. j turned 25 one month later. As for money, like they say, “it’s only money”.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
Still undecided about upgrading the phone, 12 for the 16. Might just wait a bit and see what happens. Ideally, would love to wait a year and get the 16 when the 17 comes out like I did last time. Get the newer tech but not the latest which comes with a price. Don't mind having last years model one bit because nw iPhones are pricey. So, just like I normally do with a big purchase like this...I'll just put it off for awhile. Either way, I'll get a iPhone 16...either this year or next.
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
@corvette said:
I’m with Mint Mobile and pay for service yearly to get a discount. I just buy an unlocked phone and a couple of covers/cases that I like and take 0% financing on my Apple Card.
Checking account - well, I’m single, so I only have the one, in my name only. If I ever got married, I’m not sure how that part would work. Hate to be a killjoy, but I’d definitely have a prenup.
Yup. I get my phones from Backmarket.
Our provider is Visible. Not well known but they use Verizon’s network and have worked great for us for a few years now. $25/phone for unlimited everything.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
We are all joint too. Other than retirement stuff but we are Beneficiaries on that. Though more like my money since outside of the checking accounts not sure the wife can figure out how to get into the vanguard stuff. I told her where the folder is but my notation system seems to confuse her!
We have a joint checking funded by my pension and assume she'll put her S S in when it starts in 2025. Majority of the house bills are paid through here. But, we also have our own checking accounts as she needs one for her business and I kept the one I used when I was the executor for a small part of my dad's estate. Since we keep our investments separate, use mine for the dividend payments and such, just made sense to keep it as it's a free checking account for the most part. Also makes things easier when car buying time comes around...we each know our budget and by accordingly.
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
I never understood having separate accounts when you’re married.
My late husband and I were together for 15+ years, and never shared an account apart from a mortgage. He was a spender, I'm a saver. There would have been more than a few disagreements about how extra money should be spent, but as it was, there were NONE. We had our split of mandatory expenses figured out, and anything major (e.g., HVAC replacement) we split according to the percentage of household salary. It worked perfectly.
Honestly, I can't imagine doing it any other way at this point.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name. 2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h) Review your vehicle
Think we both have our personal accounts going to the kids in that case as far as I know. My oldest is a joint owner of my checking and the three of them are the beneficiaries of the majority of my portfolio. I do know my wife did the same thing with her portfolio just to make things easier for the three of them. They all know how my siblings shorted me out of the majority of the assets my folks left when they passed and I didn't want that same mistake to happen again. My oldest knows how much I want her to split in thirds whatever is left when I pass and know she will follow my wishes to the letter!
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
Both divorced and, for me at least, winning the second time around (the late ex. was a wonderful woman. It just didn't work out so well for us).
So we came into the relationship with our own financial empires but have purchased a home together (JTWROS). She's the beneficiary, along with my kids, on all my accounts that have such an option. I've given her (and kids) a list of all my financial accounts, I await same from her!
So far, this works fine. Bills are paid and a good time is being had by all. Until I'm told otherwise, of course.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
M240 is done, will pick up tomorrow morning. And just in time for the (probably brief) return of warm, sunny weather! I shall be topless!
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
I’m quickly losing faith in medicine. Obviously with my sister’s care.
Today I received an email from the CMO who is an MD about the IV fluid shortage due to the Asheville NC IV fluid plant being damaged. He stated that we should consider “IM hydration”. Hmmm. No such thing. He meant to give IM vitamins and minerals to save IV fluids for use but clearly he has been out of practice too long to have a clue. I now call him MDINO - MD in name only
Today was the first day I opened the sunroof this season. I use it a lot once our "winter" weather comes and just love it. I'm the only one who used it in the Audi to be honest. I love a sunroof!!
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
I take crappy pictures, no matter the phone. I just don't have the patience to set up a shot. And, very little practice. My son takes amazing pictures.
I’ve been playing with the various settings and took a few really good shots. Got a pic of my mom and son that looked darn near professional.
All those pics above I took on a boat going 30 MPH. Phone is a 15 Pro Max
That’s the worst looking cruise ship I’ve ever seen. Next time spend less on the phone and more on the cruise.😚😚😚
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
When I read that, it made me think of my in-laws and I'm not assuming this is your situation. Do a lot of couples keep separate accounts? Every time we go out to dinner with her parents, the check comes and they both reach for their phones to calculate their portion of the bill. It gets to the point where we'll just grab the check and pay for it. It sounds like they split everything, mortgage, groceries, utilities, etc.
I can’t imagine separate accounts! We have friends that do it. They even have their vacation homes separate. She bought the investment property in FL with her parents and he owns the trailer and land in the mountains. Seems so weird to me!
The only thing my wife and I have separate is our 401K (each other’s beneficiaries) and her work stock option account.
We have separate checking accounts and separate IRAs but keep a joint savings account.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Well, I found out I need a new HVAC system today: $8,800. So it goes.
Speaking of HVAC on a cold October morning the blower in the Sonata decided it didn't want to work anymore. It's an inexpensive easy fix but you really need to be a contortionist to get to the parts.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
My neighbor, who is retired and finds things to worry about, got all out of sorts because The Google told her the average lifespan of a gas furnace is 15-20 years, but hers was old enough to buy alcohol. She had her HVAC company come give a quote to replace it, and found out it would "only" (her word) cost $7,000. I tried to explain that, if it did fail, our houses are relatively small, and a few space heaters would keep things comfortable for several days until the repair person could get there, but to no avail. They were there a few days later proactively putting in a new unit.
She did the same Google life expectancy replacement thing with her refrigerator a few months later.
I, at times, check the life expectancy of my stuff. I tend to take it as a challenge.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
@dad23 said:
When I read that, it made me think of my in-laws and I'm not assuming this is your situation. Do a lot of couples keep separate accounts? Every time we go out to dinner with her parents, the check comes and they both reach for their phones to calculate their portion of the bill. It gets to the point where we'll just grab the check and pay for it. It sounds like they split everything, mortgage, groceries, utilities, etc.
I can’t imagine separate accounts! We have friends that do it. They even have their vacation homes separate. She bought the investment property in FL with her parents and he owns the trailer and land in the mountains. Seems so weird to me!
The only thing my wife and I have separate is our 401K (each other’s beneficiaries) and her work stock option account.
My wife and I both have small separate accounts. Basically personal slush funds for walking around/beer money. However the vast majority of our income goes into joint accounts and we pay our dinners and such out of the joint accounts.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
I, at times, check the life expectancy of my stuff. I tend to take it as a challenge.
Same!
I am still proud of the eleven years we got out of the last battery on our Forester. Usually, as long as you're paying attention to the details, you'll know when "it's time" without it surprising you with a straight-on failure.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
I enjoyed this a few days ago..... first snow of the season, and it warmed up just in such a way that the snow slid off the front of my wife's Crosstrek without coming apart at all. It really looks incredible:
I encourage full-screen view to appreciate the details of the folds in that snow....
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
I take crappy pictures, no matter the phone. I just don't have the patience to set up a shot. And, very little practice. My son takes amazing pictures.
I’ve been playing with the various settings and took a few really good shots. Got a pic of my mom and son that looked darn near professional.
All those pics above I took on a boat going 30 MPH. Phone is a 15 Pro Max
That’s the worst looking cruise ship I’ve ever seen. Next time spend less on the phone and more on the cruise.😚😚😚 ————————————————- And here I thought you’d feel right at home in a rusty old boat like that. I guess people do change as they get older.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
I am still proud of the eleven years we got out of the last battery on our Forester. Usually, as long as you're paying attention to the details, you'll know when "it's time" without it surprising you with a straight-on failure.
When I had the Caddy in for service last week they told me when they were returning it that the battery was “a little low” but that it should be OK for now. It is 7 years old, they pointed out. It lives in the back corner of the trunk so at least it isn’t subjected to high engine compartment temps, but I wouldn’t be surprised to need one soon.
Homeless guy with cardiomyopathy and coronary artery disease admitted for nephrectomy. He comes in the day before surgery for heart work up. Hospitalist sees patient and orders ekg. Urologist refuses to order Lexiscan and echo because he “doesn’t want them calling me with results and I don’t know what they mean”. Hmm that’s helpful.
I tell urologist that I am canceling case since I have no idea about the patient’s cardiac function etc. and he proceeds to tell me that the “patient will die without this surgery today”. I reply “you have had two weeks to get this done, I’m not willing to have this put on me”. Case canceled
What a waste of time and resources. He clearly had no interest in doing the case. He later admits that the case was “dumped on him”. Patient gets echo within an hour or so and transferred to Indianapolis.
@mjfloyd1 said:
I’m quickly losing faith in medicine. Obviously with my sister’s care.
Today I received an email from the CMO who is an MD about the IV fluid shortage due to the Asheville NC IV fluid plant being damaged. He stated that we should consider “IM hydration”. Hmmm. No such thing. He meant to give IM vitamins and minerals to save IV fluids for use but clearly he has been out of practice too long to have a clue. I now call him MDINO - MD in name only
I just need to retire
I have a very good friend of mine who is a well respected doc - the stories he tells me of how dysfunctional the medical system is scares me a bit.
Ordering a test is no big deal. Hospitalist should have ordered it but he wrote coronary artery disease and cardiomyopathy -continue Coreg. The cardiologist would interpret the test no matter who ordered it. The cardiologist would also recommend further testing if the result was abnormal. The urologist would only have to be able to read.
The urologist’s nurse knew he was supposed to order it but they weaseled out. He didn’t want to do the case.
I can order both tests. Unrestricted medical license in IN. There was no way to get it done before the 8 am booked start time.
I, at times, check the life expectancy of my stuff. I tend to take it as a challenge.
Same!
I am still proud of the eleven years we got out of the last battery on our Forester. Usually, as long as you're paying attention to the details, you'll know when "it's time" without it surprising you with a straight-on failure.
I got over 10 years out of the OEM battery in the Club Sport; I replaced it before it failed because the OEM batteries would fail with absolutely no warning and I didn't want to be caught out.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
My wife and I share two checking accounts, and the last week of the month we pay all the bills online. I don't think that we've ever argued about money; she's a bit more thrifty than me but we have a budget and we generally stick to it. I will note that she may roll her eyes when I receive several shipments of model cars or car parts in a 7 day period...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
we always discuss any major spend and work out reasonable solutions. if either one wanted something crazy the other could (in theory!) veto it. But neither of us is a big spender really. Now a steady drip of Amazon, that is another story. and we won't talk about the occasional car, but she has long told me to just get what I want (so she can stop hearing me talk about it). Mostly knowing if she gives me the OK for a really expensive set of wheels, I will probably cheap out anyway!
I’m quickly losing faith in medicine. Obviously with my sister’s care.
Today I received an email from the CMO who is an MD about the IV fluid shortage due to the Asheville NC IV fluid plant being damaged. He stated that we should consider “IM hydration”. Hmmm. No such thing. He meant to give IM vitamins and minerals to save IV fluids for use but clearly he has been out of practice too long to have a clue. I now call him MDINO - MD in name only
I just need to retire
I have a very good friend of mine who is a well respected doc - the stories he tells me of how dysfunctional the medical system is scares me a bit.
You mean all those TV shows where the doctors and nurses run around like social workers getting involved in patient’s personal lives isn’t an accurate representation of the medical profession? Who would have known?😫
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I, at times, check the life expectancy of my stuff. I tend to take it as a challenge.
Same!
I am still proud of the eleven years we got out of the last battery on our Forester. Usually, as long as you're paying attention to the details, you'll know when "it's time" without it surprising you with a straight-on failure.
I got over 10 years out of the OEM battery in the Club Sport; I replaced it before it failed because the OEM batteries would fail with absolutely no warning and I didn't want to be caught out.
In the old days batteries would give you some warning before failure and if they got too weak you’d be able to jump them once or twice to at least drive somewhere to get them replaced. Modern batteries don’t give much warning in my experience and when they die the are real dead. I had that happen on one car after 5 years and the car had to be towed. More recently the battery died on my son’s car but fortunately, AAA now offers a battery replacement service right in your driveway.
Getting the battery out of the engine bay seems to increase longevity. The battery in several Chryslers was located in the front fender and one lasted 9 years. It was still good when the car was junked.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I, at times, check the life expectancy of my stuff. I tend to take it as a challenge.
Same!
I am still proud of the eleven years we got out of the last battery on our Forester. Usually, as long as you're paying attention to the details, you'll know when "it's time" without it surprising you with a straight-on failure.
I got over 10 years out of the OEM battery in the Club Sport; I replaced it before it failed because the OEM batteries would fail with absolutely no warning and I didn't want to be caught out.
In the old days batteries would give you some warning before failure and if they got too weak you’d be able to jump them once or twice to at least drive somewhere to get them replaced. Modern batteries don’t give much warning in my experience and when they die the are real dead. I had that happen on one car after 5 years and the car had to be towed. More recently the battery died on my son’s car but fortunately, AAA now offers a battery replacement service right in your driveway.
Getting the battery out of the engine bay seems to increase longevity. The battery in several Chryslers was located in the front fender and one lasted 9 years. It was still good when the car was junked.
That's what I found to be funny. The battery in the Club Sport is located in a plastic box on the exhaust side of the engine compartment- yet the OEM battery was still going strong.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
In the maverick hybrid it is next the rear seat. More of a pain to access though. Also woefully undersized for the job. They tend to die early based on forums reading.
Y'all are talking about phones. I had an iPhone 11. Give Apple credit, the stuff they make is durable. I don't kn ow how many times I dropped my phone, and aside from a scrape here and there, nothing ever broke. Battery was getting noticeably weaker, too.
So, having T-Mobile, I went their store to upgrade.
As luck would have it, got back home, hit the garage door button on my mirror. I hear a loud "POP" and then nothing but a "whirrrrrr". Yep, busted garage door springs. The "whirring" was the motor of the garage door opener running as coincidentally, the belt broke on it at the same time.
$600 later, I have new springs, and a new belt.
Oh yeah....a new iPhone, too. Expensive trip all the way around.
The M240 is out of surgery, patient seems no worse for wear. My wallet, on the other hand, is now feeling so lonely, it could die.
The right front TPMS unit had actually broken off and was rolling around in the wheel, I was told. SA showed me the rather beaten-up unit. Said the other three were in not much better shape. Wonder why, car is 4+ years old, ~24k miles and from all appearances, well kept by owner current and past. Are these units that fragile?
Nice day, temp in the upper 50's with sun. So, I went topless for part of the trip home (once off the highway, quite windy, too). Off to the Cape Cod Symphony tomorrow for a Motown concert. There will be five of us, so taking the giant gas guzzling SUV X3. I shall resume topless motoring Sunday after what will likely be the most exciting, well played and schemed football game of the year, Pats vs. Jags. In London, England England.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
When I read that, it made me think of my in-laws and I'm not assuming this is your situation. Do a lot of couples keep separate accounts? Every time we go out to dinner with her parents, the check comes and they both reach for their phones to calculate their portion of the bill. It gets to the point where we'll just grab the check and pay for it. It sounds like they split everything, mortgage, groceries, utilities, etc.
My friend and his wife went out for dinner with another couple for the first time. When the waiter came over the guy said give the other couple their bill and give me one, and my wife one. His wife was going to pay by credit card, but she said she forgot to bring her credit card with. Would her husband pay and she would pay him back later? He said, he would do that, but asked her to sign her bill that she owed him that amount...and he kept the signed bill and put it in his wallet. My friend said he won't be going out with that couple ever again.
Comments
We have separate accounts, she volunteered to be the bookkeeper, paying all the bills (other than my CCs and car payment). She invoices me monthly, I drop to the floor, raising my fists to the sky and shout, "Why? Why?" and Venmo her my share.
Not an issue, I have a few more $ than she does and I plan to well spend it on us. And, of course, cars.
Dropped the naked BMW off this am, asked if the shop works on British cars. Nope (other than Land Rover), takes too long to get parts, not enough demand for them to hire/train a Brit specialty tech. And, with that, the Aston Martin DB11 takes one step back...
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
We keep separate checking and joint everything else.
I tend to agree with you. From the list of things you’ve been telling us you just bought, on top of the mansion, you probably don’t have enough time to pay them all off. So enjoy them now while you’re still on this side of the grass.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
I can’t imagine separate accounts! We have friends that do it. They even have their vacation homes separate. She bought the investment property in FL with her parents and he owns the trailer and land in the mountains. Seems so weird to me!
The only thing my wife and I have separate is our 401K (each other’s beneficiaries) and her work stock option account.
We have our checking account, and she has her checking account.
2025 Forester Limited, 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport
And 2 of them won’t have rust.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
I never understood having separate accounts when you’re married.
Although like I’ve said before, we’ve had a 50/50 relationship. I made it and she spent it.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
But they charge far more for their service than other plans out there. That’s how they get ya. I’m much happier paying $25/mo for service and just buy my phone.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I’m with Mint Mobile and pay for service yearly to get a discount. I just buy an unlocked phone and a couple of covers/cases that I like and take 0% financing on my Apple Card.
Checking account - well, I’m single, so I only have the one, in my name only. If I ever got married, I’m not sure how that part would work. Hate to be a killjoy, but I’d definitely have a prenup.
You were kids weren’t you? I turned 25 on our honeymoon. Mrs. j turned 25 one month later. As for money, like they say, “it’s only money”.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
Yup. I get my phones from Backmarket.
Our provider is Visible. Not well known but they use Verizon’s network and have worked great for us for a few years now. $25/phone for unlimited everything.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
We are all joint too. Other than retirement stuff but we are Beneficiaries on that. Though more like my money since outside of the checking accounts not sure the wife can figure out how to get into the vanguard stuff. I told her where the folder is but my notation system seems to confuse her!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
As married those separate accounts become yours anyway if spouse passes. And you likely get half in a divorce!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Honestly, I can't imagine doing it any other way at this point.
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Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
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2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
Both divorced and, for me at least, winning the second time around (the late ex. was a wonderful woman. It just didn't work out so well for us).
So we came into the relationship with our own financial empires but have purchased a home together (JTWROS). She's the beneficiary, along with my kids, on all my accounts that have such an option. I've given her (and kids) a list of all my financial accounts, I await same from her!
So far, this works fine. Bills are paid and a good time is being had by all. Until I'm told otherwise, of course.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
Today I received an email from the CMO who is an MD about the IV fluid shortage due to the Asheville NC IV fluid plant being damaged. He stated that we should consider “IM hydration”. Hmmm. No such thing. He meant to give IM vitamins and minerals to save IV fluids for use but clearly he has been out of practice too long to have a clue. I now call him MDINO - MD in name only
I just need to retire
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
I’ve been playing with the various settings and took a few really good shots. Got a pic of my mom and son that looked darn near professional.
All those pics above I took on a boat going 30 MPH. Phone is a 15 Pro Max
That’s the worst looking cruise ship I’ve ever seen. Next time spend less on the phone and more on the cruise.😚😚😚
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
I can’t imagine separate accounts! We have friends that do it. They even have their vacation homes separate. She bought the investment property in FL with her parents and he owns the trailer and land in the mountains. Seems so weird to me!
The only thing my wife and I have separate is our 401K (each other’s beneficiaries) and her work stock option account.
We have separate checking accounts and separate IRAs but keep a joint savings account.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Speaking of HVAC on a cold October morning the blower in the Sonata decided it didn't want to work anymore. It's an inexpensive easy fix but you really need to be a contortionist to get to the parts.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
I, at times, check the life expectancy of my stuff. I tend to take it as a challenge.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
My wife and I both have small separate accounts. Basically personal slush funds for walking around/beer money. However the vast majority of our income goes into joint accounts and we pay our dinners and such out of the joint accounts.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
I am still proud of the eleven years we got out of the last battery on our Forester. Usually, as long as you're paying attention to the details, you'll know when "it's time" without it surprising you with a straight-on failure.
I encourage full-screen view to appreciate the details of the folds in that snow....
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And here I thought you’d feel right at home in a rusty old boat like that. I guess people do change as they get older.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
I forgot my most recent reason to hate medicine.
Homeless guy with cardiomyopathy and coronary artery disease admitted for nephrectomy. He comes in the day before surgery for heart work up. Hospitalist sees patient and orders ekg. Urologist refuses to order Lexiscan and echo because he “doesn’t want them calling me with results and I don’t know what they mean”. Hmm that’s helpful.
I tell urologist that I am canceling case since I have no idea about the patient’s cardiac function etc. and he proceeds to tell me that the “patient will die without this surgery today”. I reply “you have had two weeks to get this done, I’m not willing to have this put on me”. Case canceled
What a waste of time and resources. He clearly had no interest in doing the case. He later admits that the case was “dumped on him”. Patient gets echo within an hour or so and transferred to Indianapolis.
I have a very good friend of mine who is a well respected doc - the stories he tells me of how dysfunctional the medical system is scares me a bit.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Ordering a test is no big deal. Hospitalist should have ordered it but he wrote coronary artery disease and cardiomyopathy -continue Coreg. The cardiologist would interpret the test no matter who ordered it. The cardiologist would also recommend further testing if the result was abnormal. The urologist would only have to be able to read.
The urologist’s nurse knew he was supposed to order it but they weaseled out. He didn’t want to do the case.
I can order both tests. Unrestricted medical license in IN. There was no way to get it done before the 8 am booked start time.
A podiatrist’s privileges end at the knee…
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I have a very good friend of mine who is a well respected doc - the stories he tells me of how dysfunctional the medical system is scares me a bit.
You mean all those TV shows where the doctors and nurses run around like social workers getting involved in patient’s personal lives isn’t an accurate representation of the medical profession? Who would have known?😫
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Getting the battery out of the engine bay seems to increase longevity. The battery in several Chryslers was located in the front fender and one lasted 9 years. It was still good when the car was junked.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
In the maverick hybrid it is next the rear seat. More of a pain to access though. Also woefully undersized for the job. They tend to die early based on forums reading.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
So, having T-Mobile, I went their store to upgrade.
As luck would have it, got back home, hit the garage door button on my mirror. I hear a loud "POP" and then nothing but a "whirrrrrr". Yep, busted garage door springs. The "whirring" was the motor of the garage door opener running as coincidentally, the belt broke on it at the same time.
$600 later, I have new springs, and a new belt.
Oh yeah....a new iPhone, too. Expensive trip all the way around.
The right front TPMS unit had actually broken off and was rolling around in the wheel, I was told. SA showed me the rather beaten-up unit. Said the other three were in not much better shape. Wonder why, car is 4+ years old, ~24k miles and from all appearances, well kept by owner current and past. Are these units that fragile?
Nice day, temp in the upper 50's with sun. So, I went topless for part of the trip home (once off the highway, quite windy, too). Off to the Cape Cod Symphony tomorrow for a Motown concert. There will be five of us, so taking the giant gas guzzling SUV X3. I shall resume topless motoring Sunday after what will likely be the most exciting, well played and schemed football game of the year, Pats vs. Jags. In London, England England.
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
When the waiter came over the guy said give the other couple their bill and give me one, and my wife one.
His wife was going to pay by credit card, but she said she forgot to bring her credit card with. Would her husband pay and she would pay him back later?
He said, he would do that, but asked her to sign her bill that she owed him that amount...and he kept the signed bill and put it in his wallet.
My friend said he won't be going out with that couple ever again.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250