We keep our finances separate and its really isnt that baffling of a situation. Split our household bills 50/50. I pay for my own personal bills and fun purchases, he pays for his own. Neither of us care how the other person spends their money once our bills are covered. If there is a day I am low and need something, he will help me, and vice versa. If we go on a trip, we will have a general guideline "you pay for food, drinks and gas and I will pay for lodging, souveniers, and tickets".. it is not always evenly split, sometimes he has more money, sometimes I have more money, but it all works out eventually. There is no need for us to pool our money - it works out the same in the end anyways, but this way we don't have to ask one another before we buy something personal for ourselves. We are able to feel taken care of and helped and equal, while also having financial freedom/independence. It works.