A newlywed truth

Money, money, money!

I realize there are many ways to merge assets when you get married these days. In fact (and to be perfectly honest, the feminist side of me is quite pleased with this), there are many couples that don't even merge their money for one reason or another. Old fashioned as it may sound, Mike and I decided to have one place for all our money (meaning we merged what we had into one account).

This has had an interesting impact on me. I've always had the mindset that if you make money, you should be able to spend it however you please, because you earned it. My opinion about this was so strong in fact, that I would become quite disgusted when I heard that people asked permition to buy things (people who know me well may be laughing at this point because this is just one of the many strong opinions I have).

Now though, my opnion about this has changed quite a bit!!! Now, please don't get the wrong idea... it's not like I talk to Mike while at Target to run through everything I am purchasing (gag me)... it's almost as if there is this new part of me when I shop... a responsible part.

I now hear this voice in the back of my head saying things like, "is this essential?" and "is there another option that may be cheaper?" It's crazy to me, but it's an honest confession... the idea that I am not just spending my money, it's now our money makes me think about my purchases a bit more.

I am 98% pleased with this new found responsibility, 2% not yet adjusted (please don't judge me too harshly).

So... I guess the newlywed truth would be... sharing a life with someone means the decisions you make must be made with the other in mind. This includes the decision to buy a new pair of shoes instead of contributing to your savings account that may someday be used to purchase something much more important.