Hi Gadget-Freaks,

My wife and I use a similar system to Doug's. Three accounts: mine, hers, our common.

Everything on budget including food, household etc. goes out of the common account.

Clothes, shoes(!), personal stuff etc. comes from our own account.

So when I want something, I don't have to ask. I just buy it with my own money. Mind you, that doesn't free me from occasional disapproving looks from her, but that's OK.

Things we agree on, we both chip in on, as best we can.

As I earn far more than her, it's usually "I buy it" for larger investments (furniture and similar things), which is fair enough to me. This also get's me more freedom (read: less disapproving looks) when I buy useless Techno-Junk/gadgets.

Works fine for us.

Lying is out of the question, because she says I get this "giggly look" on my face when I've purchased new toys. I don't even have to tell her, sometimes we just sit there watching TV or something, and suddenly she asks "WHAT did you get?" :-)

Also, I must admit, I couldn't resist the electric helicopter. I did do lots of research, but had to fall for the temptation. But damned if I can fly the thing!