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Many couples these days think it is best to have separate bank accounts. Find out why below.

Do you have your own bank account separate to that of your partners?

My Husband and I have a primary joint bank account which we use to pay the mortgage and other expenses but I have always been adamant that I want my own bank account for ‘just in case’.

It seems we are not alone

In a recent discussion we discovered that many couples do something similar and feel it definitely works best.

In our Facebook poll with over 1400 votes 70% said YES they have their own bank account.

Kelly shared, ” My mum opened a bank account for me when I was a kid, I still have the same account. I also got access to my partners accounts.”

Mimi said, “We have spoken about getting joint accounts, but honestly I prefer having them separate. We have no issue with using each other’s accounts when needed and are very open with it. I find it easier for me to keep track of everything going in and out..”

Nadia admitted, “Own accounts, but both know each others pins, and it’s all OUR money.”

Michelle said, “I have my own account and have done so since we were married.”

Rachel shared, “We have joint accounts where all our incomes go and all expenses come out of and we have a private acc each that gets an ‘allowance’ paid through from the joint acc each week so we have our own money for personal use too.”

Emily said, “We have a joint savings account, a joint account to pay the bills from, and our own personal regular accounts
We mainly buy each other gifts from our personal accounts, otherwise they’re always empty haha.”

Dani shared, “Each having a seperate ‘just in case’ account and maybe credit card, is a good idea. If something happens and one you dies, joint accounts/credit cards can be frozen!!”

Jennifer shared, ” I used to administer bankrupt estates and I saw so many cases of 1 of the couple running up huge debts, not paying the mortgage etc which sent the innocent one on the street. Sadly if there were children too this could’ve be avoided by separate accounts. Definitely do separate accounts. My ex spent all our money on his personal doings didn’t pay the mortgage. Thankfully i had my own account. Saved me and my kids.”

Do you do the same or not? Tell us why or why not in the comments below.

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  • No we share our money equally and don’t have separate accounts !

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  • This is a very interesting one and I know many people who have separate accounts from their partners and for different reasons, all of which seem to work for them. As long as both people inn the partnership agree and are on board with the idea then it really isn’t an issue.

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  • We have two seperate and we are happy about it

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  • All our accounts are joint and we can see what each other spends. I would love separate treat accounts but hubby isn’t a fan of the idea. It doesn’t upset me enough to have a debate with him about though.

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  • I have always had my own account but we also have a shared one for bills etc.

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  • Yes we have seperate accounts we have shared account for house etc but our own savings and credit card accounts we are open and access all accounts as necessary it just makes life easier

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  • Whatever works for you both. I like to have my own….imagine if I couldn’t purchase a special gift for him every now and again without him knowing…

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  • A very interesting article and loved reading other moms views. Believe everyone is different and what works for some many not work for others.

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  • My husband and I both have our own and a joint account that we transfer into for non-every day expenses like car registration etc. and that has always worked for us. When I had our daughter and wasn’t getting any paid parental leave or anything, it was extremely hard for me to be completely financially dependant on some one else, even though my husband and I have been together for 9 years so I definitely agree that it is better to have separate bank accounts.

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  • I think its a good idea to have a joint then your own. You need to have control over your own money, especially if your partner is not great with money.

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  • I think it depends on the couple how things work best but you need something that works for both of you and you both need to know what’s going on with your finances.

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  • It really depends on the couple. Good article to read.

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  • We have a joint account for bills, shopping and the home loan, but seperate for everything else. I like my own money and not feeling guilty if I want to splurge on something

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  • We have a shared account but I think I may also open an individual account. I love the shared account but it does take the surprise away for gifts as I notice charges on the card leading up to my b’day etc and get an idea of what I’m getting.

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  • I don’t know what the laws are now. I do know that a few years ago in SA if one partner died and the account is in joint names the account would be frozen until Probate was granted. I don’t know if other states have Probate or not. Also if it is a cheque account, one person signs a cheque as people with joint accounts can do. If not banked quickly enough and a person dies a few days later the cheque will automatically be stopped by the bank even if not signed by the person who died. if a relationship breaks down you can / could ring the bank and freeze a joint account. I know somebody who did that just in time. Lucky she did or she would have been “broke”. You need to have at least some money in your own account (no pin given to partner) in case of an emergency.

    Reply

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