We're coming up on our 35th anniversary in Sept. We started with almost nothing at age 21. DH does not like to think about money, while it is a constant theme to me. In theory, we probably should have been one of those couples that wouldn't work but we actually make a great team.
We've always kept everything jointly except for my Roth IRA and pocket cash. DH always spends his pocket cash and I usually have a chunk of mine left at the end of the month so that goes into a "stash" container. It's no secret, he knows I have it and where it's kept. He doesn't care to count it.
In our earning years DH would have spent everything that came in if he didn't have a family to support. He loves electronics and gadgets and used to frequent thrift stores to find "vintage" things to play with. He had a good eye for that stuff and often would sell things at a profit. When it came to supporting us (I was a full time mom) he was completely wonderful but still needed to have money for "stuff".
As he approached retirement he came to realize that his time was more valuable than stuff so he has become a frugal retiree. He sees it as a new hobby and he's told me he really enjoys the downsizing/simplifying/economizing. Fine with me!
I've never been a recreational shopper. I own 5 pairs of shoes and that includes slippers and waterproof winter shoes. I'll go clothes shopping once a year just to replace things that are worn out. Three shirts or sweaters, two pairs of shorts and jeans and I'm good for the year. Just not into fashion and accessorizing. I could never spend thousands every month on clothing or decorating or eating out or mindless shopping.
DH has gone through some major changes since retiring in June, 2010. He still has no interest in money topics but a few weeks ago he asked about the monthly expenses compared to his monthly pension deposit. He knew that his pension covers the expenses but for him to ask for specifics was a welcome inquiry! I printed it out for him to have on hand. He may not look at it for months, but that's ok. It meant a lot that he asked.
We've always kept everything jointly except for my Roth IRA and pocket cash. DH always spends his pocket cash and I usually have a chunk of mine left at the end of the month so that goes into a "stash" container. It's no secret, he knows I have it and where it's kept. He doesn't care to count it.
In our earning years DH would have spent everything that came in if he didn't have a family to support. He loves electronics and gadgets and used to frequent thrift stores to find "vintage" things to play with. He had a good eye for that stuff and often would sell things at a profit. When it came to supporting us (I was a full time mom) he was completely wonderful but still needed to have money for "stuff".
As he approached retirement he came to realize that his time was more valuable than stuff so he has become a frugal retiree. He sees it as a new hobby and he's told me he really enjoys the downsizing/simplifying/economizing. Fine with me!
I've never been a recreational shopper. I own 5 pairs of shoes and that includes slippers and waterproof winter shoes. I'll go clothes shopping once a year just to replace things that are worn out. Three shirts or sweaters, two pairs of shorts and jeans and I'm good for the year. Just not into fashion and accessorizing. I could never spend thousands every month on clothing or decorating or eating out or mindless shopping.
DH has gone through some major changes since retiring in June, 2010. He still has no interest in money topics but a few weeks ago he asked about the monthly expenses compared to his monthly pension deposit. He knew that his pension covers the expenses but for him to ask for specifics was a welcome inquiry! I printed it out for him to have on hand. He may not look at it for months, but that's ok. It meant a lot that he asked.