A Married Couple Settled Their Bill-Splitting Agreement, Yet A Credit Card Issue Has Them Arguing Again
Shutterstock
Many married couples have a joint account. This can make it much easier to pay the bills. Some couples may put all of their money in this joint account, but others may also have separate accounts and put some money in the joint account for bills while keeping the rest of their money separate.
What works for one couple may not work for another couple, but it’s important that the couple reaches a decision about what works for them. They need to be on the same page.
In this story, a married couple seemed to reach a decision about how to pay the bills, but now there’s an issue involving what they spend their money on and the husband’s credit card.
Let’s read all about it.
AITAH for not meeting my husband expectations with money?
To set the base of my question: I bring home around $70,000 from my full time job and work a freelance job which brings in an additional $2,000 or so per year. Totaling 40+ hours per week.
My husband works rough 25 hours per week and has significantly less income.
We’ve keep separate account but have one joint account for major bills like mortgage, power, car payments.
Here’s some context about how they split the bills.
Since getting married the agreement was equal contributions to the joint account, enough to comfortably cover bills.
Initially he paid more of the household bills and I contributed around 1/3 but also purchased all groceries and household goods.
I’ve never questioned how he contributed so much because he made it work and found the money. I believe family money, but haven’t felt comfortable to ask.
Now, my full income has shifted to the joint account. I pull out a small amount for my personal bills. Cell phone, credit cards. I’ve notice he pays his phone and credit cards with our joint money.
The issue involves her husband’s credit card.
Here’s the AITAH part.
He gave me permission to use his credit card for any and all purchases. But complains if I use our joint account, even for groceries.
If I use his credit card, he obviously controls the billing and often questions my purchases.
For the record, I’ve only used his card for household or grocery purchases and continue to make personal purchases from the little money I pull aside.
They don’t see eye to eye about spending.
He has suggested my credit cards and phone also can come from joint account.
Yet when I’ve discussed it further, there is often not enough money left over for this.
I’ve tried to talk to him about these matters and expressed my concerns that money matters are putting stress on our marriage.
It really doesn’t seem fair.
His response is to flip it around and gaslight me by saying it’s my fault we are short on money or that he will need to work extra hours because of my money mistakes.
I don’t understand.
I’m contributing a more than fair amount and still living paycheck to paycheck while he spends freely.
I’m wondering where he comes up with enough money to pay for this credit card and his fair share of the bills if he makes significantly less than she does. That’s what I’d want to resolve.
Sign up to get our BEST stories of the week straight to your inbox.
Let’s see how Reddit responded.
This person offers some advice.
Another person points out a big concern.
This person calls out the husband.
Another person offers advice and poses a question.
It sounds like her husband needs a better job, and she needs to stop contributing more than her fair share. She shouldn’t have to put all of her money in the joint account.
This sounds like a very frustrating situation. They need to get to the bottom of it. Set a budget they both agree to. And she needs to ask him where all of his money is coming from. As his wife, she has a right to know.
Enjoyed this story?
Sign up to get our BEST stories of the week straight to your inbox.
