However couples want to arrange their finances, the choice is ultimately up to them. After all, it is an incredibly personal decision and what works for some might not work for others. Despite this, people have lashed out at a man after his wife revealed how he has chosen to spend his inheritance.
The trouble came about after his partner, who will share half of the thousands he inherited, thought he was acting selfishly - and took to Mumsnet to voice her frustration. And it is fair to say his decision proved controversial after the woman revealed her hubby wants to keep half of his money, despite sharing all of her income.
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In her post, the woman claimed her partner had inherited £15,000 following his aunt's death. She also explained that the pair are "very happily married" with two children. While the happy family are "comfortable financially", they also have a "huge mortgage" and repair work needed on their home.
So you would expect the duo to welcome the extra money, but it sounds as if it could drive a wedge between them.
Outlining her concerns, the woman said her husband had wanted to invest the entire sum in Bitcoin, but he did change his mind.
"He's reluctantly agreed to just put half into Bitcoin and the other half into our joint ISA," she explained.
However, she did not welcome this decision, asking the parenting forum: "Am I being unreasonable to think this is selfish?"
"For reference, I am the breadwinner by a country mile and we share all of our income," the wife explained. "I never question this so it now feels unfair that his money is 'his' money - when for a long time I've earned much more and it's all been shared money."
She added that she was also concerned by his choice to invest the money.
But the post proved divisive, as people could not agree on how best the money should be divided.
On the one hand, some thought the inheritance was the man's to use as he pleased.
"The inheritance is not 'joint' money," one person wrote.
Another said: "I think inheritance belongs 100% to whoever inherited it and their wife/husband has no say over it.
"It doesn’t matter that you’re the breadwinner and have contributed more, you earn more so of course your contribution is higher. He’s not in debt bondage to you because he earns less than you."
However, others felt strongly that the husband was acting unfairly, given how the couple normally split their finances.
Someone suggested: "It's time to reconsider your finances."
A second added: "You need to stop sharing your income so easily. He’s shown you he won’t so you’re being taken for a mug."
And another comment read: "It needs to go in the shared pot. He’s taking the p***."
Do you agree? Let us know in the comments below.
