I am in the business of advising an counseling clients in the financial planning business. As a CFP, there are many reasons to consider various forms of ownership. Seperate IRA's is obvious, but beneficiary designation is critical for estate planning purposes. Having a joint check or savings account is helpful in support of the overall family unit. But having a seperate checking or even savings account provides both parties the independence to be responsible for handling their own finances. I find too many women rely upon their husbands to handle all the finances. My view is that a woman should have just as much knowledge in dealing with money as a man. In the death of one spouse, her understanding of money will be critical. Sometimes, having everything joint is not necessarily always the best solution either. Seek a good financial planner and they will provide information or answer questions in your specific case. Everyone is different. Consider tax planning, risk planning (insurance), investment planning, retiremant planning, and estate planning for your overall financial picture. It is a complex field, but the more you know the better informed you will be to meet the challenge of money matters! Good luck!
My wife has her own money and she can do anything she wants with it; she works too! less