If the husband makes significantly more money than the wife, how much of a contibution is fair for the wife.?

John Hightower

Have been married for 25+ years.

When we first got married, I made about 60% of the total income and my wife made 40%. She had been married for 8 years, had 2 kids, got divorce and was functioning on her own for 8 years before meeting me.

Her assets - her car, house, etc - that she had before we got married - I told her NOT to put my name on them.

We did the same thing for my assets - we didn't put her name on my house, car, truck, checking, saving, etc.

That way, if the marriage failed - it would easier for each of us to re-establish our credit, etc.

We bought (together) another house and a new car. We totaled expenses for items when we both benefit - and split them based upon me earning 60% of the total income, I should pay 60% of the bills. And she paid 40%.

Its been said - even back to my Mom when I was 4-5, that I could squeeze a buffalo nickel until the buffalo shi%%ed. But sharing expense was my ideal.

Over the years, her income has risen to where it nearly matches mine. Each year, in January we re-calculate the percentages.

Meanwhile, if there is something she wants - but I'm not interested - as long as she pays for it out of her money - I've said its none of my business. And the same for her telling me what to do.

I'm now 57 and this has worked will since I was 32.

David

So your husband makes just under 100,000 a year and he wants you to pay half the bills? He sounds cheap and this is comming from a cheap person.

Redneck_Momma

The money should be pooled into a joint account and used as necessary. Keeping score of everything is very unhealthy for your marriage.

Klogg

In your situation it's only logical for you to pay bills proportional to what you make. But honestly, you're married. My wife and i have one bank account between us. We are a partnership and so why should we function like we're just roommates? My wife and I both earn money, but we can't say what came from where because it all goes to the same account anyway. I'd personally suggest doing this. Saves arguments later on. Both of you just put the money in the same place and take whatever is needed for bills out.

brendie

both checks should go into a joint account. all bills paid and what is left belongs to both. thats part of being married.

StyleN

Hmm honestly I agree that he should pay the "majority" of the bills in the household. Your a mom, caretaker etc...That should count for ALOT IMHO. Start out by trying to talk it over with him sensibly. Then if that doesn't work why not try to enroll in a financial managment course that can teach both of you as a family to spend on a budget.

You can use the current situation of the economy to help reign in the spending.

GL

Ms. GTO

It should be in proportion to that person's income. You make a little less than 1/4 what he does...so pay about 20% of the bills.

John Hightower has a great handle on the situation.

Angie

You guys should both put your money into a joint account and work on the budget TOGETHER. Jointly decide how much money goes to savings, spending cash, etc.

Sounds to me like he's controlling and you may need marital counseling.

olivia_n_bomb

In a serious relationship..Married you couldnt get more serious... money should be split 50 50. My hsband earns 1000 a month, i work from home and earn an average 400 a month. my wage is our extra/pocket money. what mine is ours,whats his is ours. on your wage you should be grateful you're earning so much. although i believe it should be 50/50 i cant believe on your wage you have a problem. you should think of us on the poverty line and think yourselves both lucky.I wish I were in your shoes with my husband and your husbands salary, and me in your shoes with your salary. stop whingingi and think yourself lucky!

AnaT

My husband makes more than what I make...so he picks up the greater share. He pays the mortgage, insurances, any household/vehicle issues, and pays for any outings that we have unless I feel the need to be giving and splurge for a night out. I do pay the utilities but compared to what our mortgage is, it's not much. Your husband is trying to be a bully about the situation. And frankly speaking, I wouldn't care what he said, he would pick up the majority of the bills.

jmaeme

My situation is about the same, my husband makes abt $5000 a month compared to my $2500 a month. Our bills are $1900 a month and he only pays $950 which leaves him $4050 left for personal bills and discretionary things and it leaves me w/ $1550 for my personal bills. He thinks this is fair. I tried to explain to him that this should be based on a percentage because he makes more. I know he understands but he is just to stingy and greedy to take on the responsibility of provider. I have cut down on the cooking, washing and ironing. I will let him see what it is to get up and not have clean socks, shorts, or a tee shirt to wear. I don't even press his work shirts anymore, just take them out of the dryer and hang them up. If he can't do for me and treat me fairly, I can't do for him. 4

jmaeme

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