Another question about sharing money -- WWYD? - Page 2

[Sarah8Jane]

We combine everything in general. We talk about all purchases and savings plans in advance (i.e. no mad money). I used to just stick overtime in the checking account, but we couldn't see the benefit of all the extra effort it is to get overtime - we'd "somehow" have extra that month to put toward savings.

I've now created and track separate categories in our (joint) savings account labeled A's overtime/per diem/bonus (his) and S's overtime/per diem/bonus (mine). I've told DH he's got a new category, and every time I mention it he says, "okay, but it's your money too." I guess the separation is only for organization purposes.

[kirstenb]

I'm the only one who makes OT and it just goes into our household budget. I get a little every week but it never seems to be enough to make a difference. When I get bonuses, if we are saving for something special we will put it towards that. Otherwise it will go to bills or our savings.

[msjd123]

Well, the whole reason I'm curious about this is that DH was the one who suggested I keep it all for myself! I thought that was very sweet but seriously, what the heck am I going to do with that kind of money? I'm the one who has to mull over a $20 pair of sweats; I'm certainly not about to start spending upwards of $500/month! :

I think I'll probably keep some of it as fun money (because seriously, the work sucks enough that I need some incentive) but we'll probably put the rest towards something we can all enjoy, like a cash cushion in our savings.