[Perna]

I just finished working on the finances with my husband. As much as I don't care to do the work (he set it all up so it feels strange to my normal way of doing things), it seems to be bringing us closer together and I'm glad I'm making the effort.

[SweetSunshine]

I used to do it all myself. But that wasnt working cause I missed paying them on time most of the time. ( depression does that to me) Awhile back Muffy gave me a plan to use. But I stupidly let it slide . So about a month ago I think I talked to her again about how she worked on this. Its using a notebook. Then making columns One for Date recieved bill, Name of bill, when is bill due, when you paid bill, and how much. I have marked all of them down now in my notebook and have kept track of what is paid and what isnt AND when I can pay them. It even has a folder in them for the bills. So its all kept together! Totally cool. I've been so excited about this. And feel in control now . Hubby has easy access to this book. And that makes him happy too. We discuss which ones are getting paid now too. He cant spell well.. so I have to write out the checks. But I dont feel so overwhelmed wondering did I pay this .. which ones did I make a call to pay by debit card, which ones were by check.. etc.. One of the best things I've done is take Muffy's advice on this!! TY MUFFY!!!

[Perna]

Yes, we're using the idiot little folded paper booklet that comes with the checkbook to record things in and I told my husband I want a real journal book :-) I took accounting so I'm use to a bit more space to do my bookkeeping in. I feel cramped and like I'll get things wrong and the creases in the middle of the page/book drive me nuts.

[AAAAA]

I do the finances in the house, my husband has a problem with this type of thing. My goal is to make it a combined effort.

[LMo]

my answer is identical to AAAAA's

[Perna]

Ours is complicated since we're retired and have to make our own paycheck, don't get anything in the mail (haven't signed up for Social Security yet) and I'm learning my husband's system so if something happens to him I'll have a clue. I was very anxious about it all and made him write me a "book" last year so I'd have something to follow if he were to get really sick or die, etc. but I didn't read the paper and finally got angry at myself enough to get me to volunteer to actually do the books for a couple months so I'd see what was where and how it all worked. It's still scary but it's getting a little less so as I work at it.