(Serious replies pls) what would be the best way to split(?) finances?
the reason for this post is merely to get an opinion from you all on how to handle finances in this setup. I do not want an opinion on the setup itself. please understand there are a multitude of factors which have led me to finally accept this set up as my fate. yes, I tried a different set up for a looooooong time but it is not possible or feasible. I am trying to approach this extremely logically now.
Setup: Arranged marriage with a guy soon.
pros:
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in-laws will not stay with us. (they prefer the village and can't adapt to the city life at all. they hate it) but they will visit sometimes. the guy himself is not overtly attached or wants his parents around much. the MIL seems very social and a good person overall. the FIL calls my dad frequently just to chat and he is usually open. treats me well right now and even called me twice on my birthday to wish me (I was sleeping till 12 pm, so). no ego from the groom's family + less potential interference.
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the guy's profile is okay and at par with myself. similar education and job profile. (tbh, he earns half of what I do. but the salary is acceptable for me. it is sufficient for a comfortable life. so not very less.) he is just 2 inches taller to me. takes a lot of care of his appearance and is fit.... etc. etc... but you get the picture. on paper, the guy is okay and acceptable match overall. (I have met such bad looking, least bothered about hygiene guys, pathetic profile but high ego men, that I actually have to think like this.)
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seems like he is willing to do household responsibilities. he loves to cook. he stays alone now and sort of takes care of his home + when he knew I like some food item, he said he will try to make it.
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I can have my independence in this setup. there's no too much dependence on me. I can still be myself etc etc
cons:
1.materialistic guy: loves to buy expensive shoes (expensive as in 50k+ for a pair), wants a good car (almost equal to his yearly salary).. etc. to summarize: wants to have good things to look good. he prioritizes that.
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behavior wise he is impulsive and argumentative.. I would mind if the arguments were actually for sensible things.. his father also says that the son is like that and he tries to talk to him. (funny /s how the FIL said the guy is a bit stupid, doesn't know what to say where and often says things he doesn't mean. just gets carried away emotionally)
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money is the major issue why I had said no to him more than a year ago. it seemed he was marrying me for my money - like an idiot (because other men in my AM search have also done it but smart enough not to blurt out), he calculated my monthly salary and planned how much of it will go where. and even asked me about my savings till now. I told him a lot of things after this. he also said. I clearly said 'you are looking at marriage for financial uplevel'. he said 'is your contribution 0'. etc etc.
the FIL sort of appologized. this time my parents told them our expectations on this clearly and the FIL accepted and said he will talk to the guy. when all aligned only then the conversations started again
other setup factor:
I want a kid.
I am ina corporate job and I really want to grow n climb up. I never want to stop working and I want a supportive guy (in all responsibilities)
I am a single child and he is okay with me supporting and looking after them. (I heard a lot of push back from other AM men for this)
now, given all this, I want to have a happy married life but I don't want to be an emotional fool (been there, done that: loved so much that I would do anything for the guy, pay for everything without expecting anything back, share everything about myself for it to be used against me in future) and hence the practical lens. I want to get married for a number of reasons (if everything somehow goes well, a very good life, but being reasonable:)- I want a baby of my own, safety net in case I lose my job with all the tech layoffs, companionship esp as I have no other relatives except parents and they are aging.
but yeah, I obviously want to tread the finances topic carefully upfront when I already know that he was calculating his future based on my savings till date+ my entire salary.
which household n joint investment expenses do I contribute vs let him deal with it? I do not think 50-50 is fair at all as I have to bear a baby that carries their family name, impacting health long term, career n pay rise prospects, shift cities for him etc.
I am getting overwhelmed thinking about this and really need some suggestions.
also are there any other things I need to do to financially secure myself? I am creating wills for my current properties.
Posted Jan 25, 2026, 4:23 AM UTC