[DianaB]

Our financial situation is different from most people's. My husband is a farmer so our money comes in in big amounts and goes out in big amounts. He usually lets me know when our money is getting short or if he has a big payment coming up. My husband is the only one who provides an income for our home. He's always insisted that I be a SAHM, even though my children are now grown. I do help drive the tractor, combine, and go for parts when I'm needed.

How much is the most you've spent in a week without consulting your partner first? How did your partner react? When we have money I can go shopping and spend $500 or so. For us to go serious shopping is a 100 mile trip to Wichita and we spend all day shopping. So I usually spend quite a bit when I go and not too much on clothes and shoes in between times. The only time my husband gets upset is when we're low on money and I haven't kept track of my checks in the computer. He usually just shakes his head!!

How much could your partner spend (without discussing it first) before upsetting you? As I said we have big money coming in and going out. My husband keeps track of all the large payments (I pay the household bills). He usually tells me that he spent $X for something. Farming is so expensive but I trust him to handle it. I don't worry about what he spends because he knows how he's going to pay for it.

Do you each take a weekly or monthly allowance to spend on yourselves? No, not a set amount. I like to buy things on e-bay and as long as I don't get too carried away I get little goodies for myself. I'm pretty conservative about buying my clothes and I very seldom shop and spend a lot. If we have money I'm allowed to spend it unless we have a big payment coming up.

Do you share checking/savings accounts or each have your own? Yes, we share a checking account. We've been married for 32 years and we've never had a problem. I trust my husband with our finances and he trusts me. We talk about any problems or concerns that we have. We ALWAYS pay off our credit cards the first month that we receive them. My husband says that it's cheaper to borrow money from the bank than to pay interest on a credit card.

Communication about finances is very important in a relationship. Also, make goals that you want to reach and work on them together. Save your money for a new tv or furniture BEFORE buying it and save on paying interest on your credit card. Work together on your goals.
__________________