Over time,I ve discussed matter on this topic,I think its high time we addressed the issue......its all about joint account....To what extent can u operate a joint account?can u operate it with your spouse?is there any trust on operating this account?you comment will be highly appreciated.....
having one bank account also allows each spouse to have access to money when they need it.
Joint accounts usually provide each account holder with a debit card, a checkbook and the
ability to make deposits and withdraw funds. With banks that provide such services, each
account holder also receives online access to account information and tools, further simplifying
the process of keeping track of money.
Some legal affairs are also streamlined with joint bank accounts. In the event that one spouse
passes away, the other spouse will retain access to the funds in a joint account without having to
refer to a will or go through the legal system to claim the money. Depending on the state and
local laws, the surviving spouse may have to go through a lengthy legal process to claim money
in a separate account.
Drawbacks of a Joint Account
Couples may not feel comfortable with the loss of financial independence that comes with a joint
bank account, especially early in the marriage. With separate accounts, each spouse maintains
their own finances and is only responsible for paying their share of the joint bills. If one or both
spouses feel more at ease knowing they have their own money to do with as they please, pooling
the money in a joint bank account can cause friction in the marriage.
Joint bank accounts can also cause issues in a marriage when spouses fail to inform each other
about their account activity. The convenience of joint access to funds in the account can also
cause overdrafts and bounced checks if one partner makes an unexpected withdrawal or
payment. If one spouse is less financially responsible than the other, separate accounts keep
much of the damage contained to one spouse’s finances.
Problems may also arise when one spouse enters the marriage with student loans, credit cards,
alimony, child support or other debt that must now being paid with joint funds. This situation can
often cause resentment in the other spouse, who becomes responsible for paying the debt as
well. For this reason, couples should discuss their separate debts in detail before deciding on
which kind of banking works best for them.
If the couple decides to separate, the funds in a joint account can be messy to separate. Each
spouse has every right to withdraw money and close the account without the consent of the
other, and one party can easily leave the other penniless. Separate bank accounts prevent that
scenario and can allow for an easier break that often doesn’t involve a long fight to fully
separate the finances.
Other Options
Married couples can choose to maintain separate accounts and also open a joint account in
which they deposit a portion of their income. This provides the benefits of a joint account and
the independence of divided finances. Couples can also chose to keep separate checking
accounts and start a joint savings account for vacations, down payment for a home, kids’ college
tuition, or retirement.
Couples should discuss whether to have a joint bank account or not as early in the marriage as
possible, if not before the wedding. Examining the benefits and drawbacks of all the options will
help lay a strong financial foundation and ensure that each spouse is on the same page. Couples
should also revisit their decision every so often to make sure their strategy still works for them.