Couples often disagree on financial matters. Opposites attract when falling in love, but we somehow assume that consensus will be magically achieved after marriage. However well they may bond over the years, a couple tends to remain their own people in many respects. Money personality is one such trait, shaped by their own beliefs and experiences, and not necessarily modified by marriage. There is more secrecy, denial and lack of accountability in household finances than we may care to admit.
One spouse holding power over the finances of the household is not the solution. It is easy if there is no debate or discussion about every decision. But this centralisation is not a source of peace and calm with respect to household financial decisions. There is either oppression or periodic rebellion, both harmful. There is a lack of accountability and transparency, leading to inefficient outcomes for everyone. Couples tide over these with time, seeing the differences as necessary compromise, mostly avoiding confrontation after they have understood the patterns of behaviour around money. Resentment remains, and the blame game continues.
