Money, money, money!

Now I'm the type of gal who believes a woman should have her own money. Here recently, I've been hearing around that when some women get married, they throw all of their money into a joint checking account and let the husband worry about the finances. This may sound all fine and dandy in the beginning. Why shouldn't it? You love your husband, he's absolutely perfect in your eyes, he can do no wrong, he treats you like a princess. Oh joys of joys you found the man of your dreams!

Approximately 50% of all marriages in the United States end in divorce. That means there is a fairly decent chance that your marriage won't work. I may sound pessimistic and mean, but I'm stating the facts. But you know, since your husband is perfect, you won't have to worry about it. People change, every single day we change whether or not we recognize it. Some men go crazy after getting married, they get possessive and attempt to control every aspect of your life. Or sometimes a man will go out and get himself into a bit of trouble with a little affair that turns into a big affair. Marriage could be a bit too hard for him and he doesn't know how to cope so he turns to drugs and alcohol or even gambling. And this is why a woman needs to have her own money.

My advice to you is to have your own checking account, let your husband have his own, and then have a joint savings account that you both contribute to. What if you have to run away from your controlling husband? You can't do that if you don't have your own money. What if your husband blows through the joint savings on drugs, alcohol, and gambling? You're going to be in some deep doo doo if you don't have your own money. Consider having your own money a back up plan, it will always be there if you need it.

And if by chance you have a truly great husband, then having your own money could be helpful within your marriage. What if you want to buy him a really nice present for his Birthday without him knowing? If you have shared money, that means you have shared records, meaning your husband can see you withdrew $200 from the ATM and you might get a few questions about it. In reality you were buying him a new pair of golf shoes but he doesn't know that. If you had your own money he wouldn't be questioning you.

Some people may be offended by this post, it may appear that I am making every man look like scum of the earth. Well, not all men are scum of the earth and there are also some pretty awful women out there. Doo doo happens and it's always best to have that safety net. Don't rely on your partner for your personal financial stability. You are your own person, you cannot rely on the other person for everything. That's why you need a plan for protection.

Sincerely,
Advice Queen Jean