http://ask.metafilter.com/tags/finaces Questions tagged with 'finaces' at Ask MetaFilter. Mon, 27 Feb 2006 10:31:29 -0800 Mon, 27 Feb 2006 10:31:29 -0800 en-us http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 60 http://ask.metafilter.com/33431/Tips%2Dfor%2Dan%2Dengaged%2Dcouple%2Dmerging%2Dtheir%2Dfinances Tips for an engaged couple merging their finances? What are some strategies that have been successful in merging your finances? What has not? We're looking to save for common goals and equally contribute towards our household and food expenses, but also have some autonomy with our money so we can buy our own things or treats every so often without feeling accountable to one another. Here's what we've devised so far:<br> -A joint checking account for all household expenses, rent, utilities, groceries.<br> -A joint savings account for common goals (wedding, vacations, etc.)<br> -An allowance paid into a individual checking account each for our own discretionary expenses.<br> <br> What's tricky:<br> -How do you deal with "grey area" expenses such as paying a bar tab, or entertainment related expenses? Do you take turns picking up the tab?<br> -How do you deal with supplemental income (such as bonuses or income from side jobs?)<br> -How do you both maintain a sense of "control" over your finances without having to sit down together each time a bill is getting paid?<br> <br> I know there's so many factors at play here and different things work for different couples, but anything that you've found to be helpful once the wiser would be great! tag:ask.metafilter.com,2006:site.33431 Mon, 27 Feb 2006 10:31:29 -0800 finaces marriage money FearTormento