Going back to Good 'ole fashioned Housekeeping Money!

Gingham_Ribbon

It doesn't matter whether it's the man or the woman drawing the money out. I don't think there need be any negagive issues associated with it at all. If you're a team and you decide together how much you can afford then who is holding the purse strings isn't important.

I would go for it, and have a look at the Grocery Challenge on Old Style. Here's October's but a new one will be starting for November soon and will be a sticky. You might find that with your new system, you'll be able to shave quite a bit off that total in small steps.

ZTD

HazelEyes wrote:

Personally it makes me feel equally uncomfortable when I read of women "mothering" their OH by controlling their access to money but I think that what is important is that the OP has found a system that works for their situation.

It think that's the most important part of it. To find a system that works.

People have different strengths. If the one side of the relationship can change plugs/tyres etc but is squeamish as hell and but the other side of the relationship wouldn't know one end of a screwdriver from another, but can lance cysts, remove splinters and things like that - is that something to be uncomfortable with? Or just something to be happy about?

BTW - in that relationship the male was a nurse.

Red_Fraggle_3

funny I have do i the other way round - always paid for supermaket shop by cash (never enough money :-) ) But now Debt free I use my Amex card to get the pints back - budget set for month and don't go over - still have ist and moan at new bloke over his spending

[Deleted User]

times were very hard when we were young and had 3 small children and a mortgage that crept up to 15%

I had housekeeping since I got married (I had charge of the whole salary but took housekeeping out) and that practice is what got us through those terrible times. I used to put money into different envelopes in a drawer. That is most definately what helped us to get where we are now re finances, house etc

It is a very very good habit to get into

MadCad

Well I popped into Somerfield after work today to grab a paper and had almost forgotten about not having my debit card with me, I remembered just as I was about to put at least £3 worth of red grapes into my basket. Had to put the basket back and head to the checkout with just my paper ......I'm sure I would have spent £10-£20 otherwise. Only had £4.95 on me. Good job I only got the paper, Kids fleeced me for £1.50 each to go to the village bingo this evening with their nan.

Nevermind, we are having spanish roasted vegetables with garlic chicken for tea followed by fruit & meringue. Can hardly say we aren't eating well!

Tomorrow is housekeeping-money day....yippee!!! Made it through another week :-)

climbgirl

MadCad wrote:

Besides, why is it patronising? In our household my hubby IS the head of the household. It also teaches our children respect. Hubby would always provide more money if I asked without questioning it

Hey each to their own I guess, I really don't wanna start a sexism debate here! (honest!). I prefer things to be completely even and equal, it's a partnership, there is no "head". Just pointing out a different viewpoint....

System

My husband has always given me 'housekeeping'. He transfers £100 a week into my bank account over the weekend and i pay the groceries out of it when my shopping arrives midweek. I also get to keep the family allowance and tax credit money, which i spend on the kids/dog when they need something. I also pay the household bills out of my account too so at the end of the month, he transfers a months bill money to me. I know its a bit of a faff but i like to feel in control. The downside to this is that we have seperate bank accounts but at least i dont have him breathing down my neck when ive spent more than i ought to have in Boots.:rolleyes:

Anastacia

Hi
OH doesnt use the bank account, just the cash he gets given but he isnt wasteful with it & I dont think its patronising, its just easier this way. If I am balancing up the bank I need to know what is coming in and going out.

My shopping comes to £50 per week for four of us ( including two teenage boys who eat more than adults). We eat plenty of fruit & veg and I think a healthy diet just keep the price down by taking advantage of bargains & not eating ready meals etc. I always take my switch card though because else I am going to miss out on specials, bargains etc & cant stock up when something is cheap. Different things obviously for different people

FatJock

Hi,

Both myself and the OH keep our finances seperate but I give her 'rent' money every month and split the household bills 50/50. This seems to suit us.

ZTD's comments about finding a system that works have definately struck a cord with me. My OH and I are complete chalk and cheese (on everything) but somehow we've managed to develop a good relationship where we combine our differances and got things done (if that makes sense).

Cheers,
FatJock

JMU-95

our house works the exact same way as Judi's. I pay most of the bills from my account. He gives me his half of the bills each month which I put into my account and he also gives me £140 per week 'housekeeping' from his wages. I usually spend about £80 each week on food for the 5 of us and the other £60 is put back into the account for miscellaneous spending on my debit card throughout the week.

Judi wrote:

My husband has always given me 'housekeeping'. He transfers £100 a week into my bank account over the weekend and i pay the groceries out of it when my shopping arrives midweek. I also get to keep the family allowance and tax credit money, which i spend on the kids/dog when they need something. I also pay the household bills out of my account too so at the end of the month, he transfers a months bill money to me. I know its a bit of a faff but i like to feel in control. The downside to this is that we have seperate bank accounts but at least i dont have him breathing down my neck when ive spent more than i ought to have in Boots.:rolleyes: