Would you want combined bank accounts, or would you prefer to each have your own account and split expenses?
it totally depends upon the guy.
i am not the most organized when it comes to paperwork and tracking stuff, but i do have system that works well for me. i can also see how someone who is much more organized or much less organized might create problems. if there's not a simple way to mesh, i would be a proponent for a "his-hers-ours" style of banking.
meaning, one shared account, and utilize transfers to fund individual spending accounts so that we can each keep track of our own spending. that way, household bills can be handled from the main fund, while still utilizing budgetary goals with the one thing that tends to be the most adjustable - personal/misc spending.
i'm a big fan of utilizing different "baskets" for money, since they seem to be so helpful in organization. in fact, it plays a big role in how i stay organized financially, and helps me to track business related expenses vs. personal.
however, i'm pretty easygoing about money matters, so i can "flex" quite a bit to meet someone in this area.
How would it work for you?
i wouldn't hesitate to try the "his-hers-ours" system if he prefers that or it has obvious advantages in our situation.
i would have bigger issues with someone totally undisciplined about money, and was unwilling to work together to meet monetary goals. i definitely value keeping a general eye on things, as well as working towards milestones.
What would you feel most comfortable with? Why do you feel that way?
i have always joked that i hope to marry someone who likes to handle money matters, since it's not my favorite administrative task. if he likes to do that sort of thing, i would be incredibly happy about that. however, if he doesn't, i would rather roll up my sleeves and pitch in rather than money become something that is not managed or lacking any real scrutiny.
i would also have a hard time with a guy who spent money very liberally and craved a lot of materialistic "rewards" or toys. i directly correlate how well i manage my money with how long i will have to (potentially wait) to make some of the major changes in my life that i would like have the freedom to do.
one fear i have with marrying someone younger is the potential for lack of agreement in this area. i've known a lot of guys younger than me who are just starting to enjoy their earning potential and want to "have more fun with money" than i do. i prefer simplicity. i'll always value travel and "experiences" over newer vehicles and the like.
to me money is the gateway to options. i've already had my fun spending ridiculous sums of money on goofy things that i don't need, and i am in a much more fiscally responsible phase of life--i would rather have the options that come with savings/investments.