Should you tell your spouse how much you earn? (Yes, what’s mine is hers)

WHEN a thief steals money from people he stays with, buying something new becomes a problem. Imagine having money but you are too afraid to use it because other people will wonder where you got the money to buy something new from?

Friday, July 04, 2014
Patrick Buchana

WHEN a thief steals money from people he stays with, buying something new becomes a problem. Imagine having money but you are too afraid to use it because other people will wonder where you got the money to buy something new from?

That is exactly what happens in a home where a couple isn’t open about their finances. 

Then guess what; you have to go spend it in a place where your significant other won’t get to see you or know about it. One thing leads to another and before you know it, you’re as crooked as any street thug can be.

With everyone being secretive about their pocket’s depth, only selfish developments will occur in a home. A family stays together because they are supposed to build the future together, how can this happen when everyone acts like they work for intelligence? 

In a marriage, very simple things sprout arguments. It could start from disagreeing with what to have for dinner to who didn’t lay the bed. Now imagine how heated an argument about money can be. Money is a very sensitive issue and it has left people of the same blood at loggerheads.  There are so many things to argue about in a marriage but hiding finances will only stir trouble. 

When a couple puts their money together or at least tells each other how much they earn, there is a level of accountability and responsible spending. Everything that is purchased is for the benefit of the family rather than an individual. 

I can’t imagine there is anyone out there who wouldn’t want to know how much their spouse earns. Now, if you would like them to tell you then you should be in the position to do the same? 

If you don’t tell them, you will lie to them. And one lie will lead to another until you are drowning in them.

The moment you decide to be with someone, you must be open about everything. When you get married, you can no longer afford to live like you don’t have someone else to consider.

When that text from the bank comes through, rejoice together rather than hide and delete the message. 

I personally used to copy and paste the message to my girlfriend. It worked out very well because I learned to use the money responsibly. Try it; you’ll be surprised how good things will turn out.