Are men and women different when it comes to managing money?

Some of you argued for shared finances. `I know some people go into a marriage saying they want separate bank accounts in case it doesn't work out. Some of you will find this naive, but I can't imagine entering a marriage without complete faith that it will work out. That's just me,' said Meg.

Others, like twnkathyw have discovered the benefits of splitting finances. `I recently opened my own bank account and now I don't have to feel guilty for spending anything on myself. I know that sounds old fashioned, but there are so many control issues with money! Whoever has it in the household has the power, or so it seems.'

`Goddess' finds solution
Another member feels `like a goddess' for working out a system with her partner. `We have two joint accounts: one for general banking, one for savings. We each have a separate account at a bank of our choice, too. The joint bank account is for the bills (all are directly debited, so I don't have to worry about it) and savings is for all the money for groceries, car, travel allowance and other household expenses. At the beginning of the month, I split all the money into the accounts and then keep £350 for each of us for personal spending. This new plan also includes investment savings, savings for things that we both want (that we've agreed on) and emergency Once-A-Year costs that I hashed out.'

This system has `saved us from one person being in control of the money, and he's a lot calmer now, too. Oh - and for all the independent ladies, you'll be happy to know that our investment money also gets split into two equal accounts: one for him, one for me.'

Finally, Karyn was among those who argued that a woman should always retain some independence: `I just think it's important for women to be able to take care of themselves - to be able to do the things that men have traditionally done - because there may come a time when we have no other choice BUT do these things ourselves. It's becoming more common for women to take over the financial side of things in a marriage though, so congrats to those women. We just need to keep our independence, even when we're in a long-term relationship.'