Financial Infidelity

But this doesn’t mean the end of “fun money.” “Each of you should have some autonomy for day-to-day spending,” says Weil. “You don’t want to get into a ‘Mother, may I’ situation.” For many couples, the simplest solution is separate accounts. Each of you contributes a set amount to joint expenses, but spend (or save) what’s left as you see fit. Or, at least consider a “slush fund” for guilt-free spending. That way his, say, $400 haircuts or your fancy cameras will be less likely to cause a fight.

In the spirit of being fiscally faithful, I came clean about my dirty bike fantasy. “If you want a new bike that badly, you know you can have it,” said my husband. True to Weil’s prediction, it seemed about as appealing as a new appliance, once I knew it was within reach. Besides, if it’s thrill I want, there’s always mountain biking.