Joint funds, right? Hubby spends spouse’s hobby money

A wife is right to be incensed over her husband’s willingness to spend her hobby money from their joint bank account. And a tougher discussion over the couple’s misaligned views on vaguely worded financial agreements is in order, Carolyn Hax says.

Dear Carolyn: My husband and I are both 29 and have been married for a few years. My husband’s approach to life is to enjoy life as much as possible and to work as little as possible. Our incomes are basically equal, and all money goes into one pot.

I decided to participate in a costly summer sport, so I have taken on side hustles for additional income to cover the costs. My husband has been supportive but does complain that I work too much and that he misses me.

When I went to pay my fees for the summer, I noticed that I barely had enough to cover the costs. My husband had calculated my fees and spent the rest of the money! For his own enjoyment — multiple meals out with friends, concert tickets and two massages. He sees no problem with this whatsoever, saying it is my choice to work those extra hours and all our money is joint.

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