Respect and honesty are the Key
Money, if not distributed evenly, can raise issues in all human setups, and families are not exempt. The manner in which a couple administers their finances may either make or break their marriage. In my culture [Zezuru culture], the wife is commonly kept out of the financial decision making; she is usually sidelined as a mere advisor who can only make recommendations to the husband. This approach applied to modern-day society has resulted in failed marriages as nowadays most women earn an income.
Indeed, owing to my tradition, cultural norms and religion, [as a man,] I am entitled to be the sole keeper of family funds, but when it comes to finances, I have decided to be more reasonable and fair. As a couple, we work together and I [husband] encourage that our salaries should be combined, shared and spent together and I choose to adhere to this approach. I have observed that many couples, who jointly surrender their salaries toward the family, are much happier than those that place the responsibility on one spouse.
My wife Milly and I have equal entitlement to our salaries; they belong to us. My wife puts in an equal amount of effort to bring financial stability into our home therefore; she is entitled to my funds as much as I am entitled to hers. I don’t rule out the notion that women tend to be more cautious on expenditures as compared to their male counterparts, but it’s only fair that an equal amount of input by each family member acquiring a salary should require an equal distribution and access to each other’s salaries.
I believe in synergy, and that a combined input is always better than a one-sided approach. Instead of the husband surrendering his entire salary to the wife or vice versa, there should be equal decision making and distribution of funds from both parties, putting each other’s financial needs into fair consideration especially where both parties earn a salary.
Owing to my tradition, cultural norms and religion, [as a man,] I am entitled to be the sole keeper of family funds, but I have decided to be more reasonable and fair.
Ca
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