Should Wives Have Their Own Bank Accounts?

Husbands and wives often opt to pool their money and share a joint bank account, which has both their names on it. Nowadays, however, many women are making their own way and want to protect themselves -- and their assets -- in case of divorce or abuse, and they choose to open a separate account for themselves, even if they also share one with their husband. Some couples only have separate accounts. Some banks encourage couples to keep some money separate.

In fact, Nicole Collins, an outraged newlywed, who happens to be an editor at The New York Times, recently griped in the newspaper about her bank trying to convince her to get a separate account from her husband. The story she shared created lots of debate about whether this was the right thing for women to do. Some readers seem to see it as a feminist issue, and others think that separate accounts means a lack of trust and faith in your marriage. What do you think? Should married people have joint bank accounts, separate accounts, or both? Let us know by taking this poll.