Bad Idea? Women Leave Money Decisions To Their Spouse 


When couples get married the finances are typically left to one person. It is rare for both parties in a marriage to handle the finances together. In some cases, it is the wife that is leaving the husband to handle all financial issues. This may be common in some relationships, but it is not exactly a sound approach to managing the money in every case.

Difference In Opinion

The trouble that can stem from this type of one sided financial domination are the differences in opinion on things, and the person that is ruling the checkbook is typically going to have the final say. In some instances where women may want to do different things with the money that they both make it can be hard to find an even compromise. Men that are in this position of managing the finances may feel that they know what is best for the household because they are the ones that are looking at the numbers. This can cause conflict. It may become harder to resolve when both parties are not taking a conscious effort to look at what is being spent. It essentially causes more trouble because there going to be times where a joint decision needs to be made. There are a few times where a single person can make a decision for two people without some type of conflict becoming the result of this decision.

Long Term Planning

When one person in the relationship it can become harder for the woman to justify what is considered essential.  There may be things for the children that couples disagree on.  This can cause problems in a marriage. I t builds walls where the husband and wife may be in constant conflict.  Working together to achieve long term goals will likely lead to better planning for the spouse left behind after one passes.

Divorce

When the husband has been in charge of the finances things get very tricky during divorce proceedings. This is what many women have not give much thought to.  They can assume that the vows that they have taken certifies the spouse to be in a position of authority when it comes to financial matters. The trouble is this line of logic does not play out very well in court during the divorce proceedings.

It is better to know what is going on at all times when money is the issue at hand. No wants to walk away from the divorce without the ability to sustain themselves if the marriage comes to an end. Unfortunately, women that let their spouses handle all the money decisions could find themselves in this type of situation.

Death Of A Spouse

Most women would rather not think about it, but the death of a spouse can result in total chaos when it comes to financial issues. When the husband is the one that is tending to retirement plans, investing and household expenses the wife may be on autopilot. She may have the slightest idea on what her next step will be if she is put in a position where she has to handle any of these things.

A shared role when it comes to finances will result in both a husband and wife making decisions together.  This will results is better goal planning, expectations of savings and budgeting (especially in your retirement years).  

If this process is uncomfortable in your relationship, work with a financial professional to lay out a well thought out plan that can take the guess work out of your finances and future in retirement.