And while we are still on this, can someone tell how much online/internet shopping is done by kenyans annually?? Or better still, where can one get such data??

I fully agree. Full disclosure can only lead to disaster!!!. Why would I want her to account how much she used for her 'always' etc!. However there is a problem if spouses have accounts that are not known to each other. I think it is all right for a spouse to know my accounts, my pin numbers etc and vice versa...but not the contents... I really loathe those stories I hear of people dying and leaving so much money abroad that is not known by their spouses. Shenzi kabisa...

Words of wisdom
...sometimes you fart long after her. (Njung'e)

@Wendz, most times people who have not been in it listen keenly to what others are saying about marriage. That is why in forums like this, its important to talk about things that work as well, without bringing out the 5 points. You tell someone marriage is not good, and they will believe it. You tell someone men are not trustworthy and that they will cheat on their wives, and someone will believe it. You tell someone, that you better hide stuff from your spouse, and what will they do?

When you say something is working because its honeymoon stage or fairy tale, you would make someone believe that in reality it does not work. Someone asked if he should share his ATM/PIN with his wife. I share my opinion about what has worked for me (and has worked for others as well), and you shoot it down with a 5-pointer.

@Njung'e, ok. I take back my 'advice' bit.

Someone explain how disclosing everything helps. Just imagine the hubby is an EPL lager loving partner and the wife a tea-toteller, saved, wedding show lover...some trust breeds distrust!

i believe it's simply about identifying the family financial goals and responsibly meeting the same. the couple should still have some form of independent lives.

These are just my thoughts and i sort of agree with Juz Blazin

I tend to think that one of the reasons why guys do not like full disclosure is because it brings in a level of vulnerability. You might not be making as much as you would like to and you do not want your significant other to know. There is the other issue of lack of trust- which is where Blazin's urgement comes in,if you do not trust him/her,why are you together 1st place?

what good does it do if i think we can go for a holiday in shompole( Google,it is amazing) only to realise he cant foot the bills there? What does it help to plan to go live in an up market place only to learn much later that in fact it is impossible.......i think couples should be open with one another.And i think it is true,every relationship is different so everyone has to pursue what works for them and not what is out there......my 2 cents.

@famooz, you are a lady, you know how we are when it comes to impulse buying... like the nice bag you saw at the mall.... the nice shoes, the evening you indulged with your galfriends even when you knew you were tight on cash and brushed it off as "ah, its only once in a while", the manicure and pedicure you have been dying for and he thinks its a waste of money and the occasional bailing mum/my sister out.... now, imagine having to go report and explain each and everything? And not once, every other week or month depending on your discipline....

Imagine the suits you buy and have to leave in the car for a few days until there is a chance to sneak it in the house because "there is no money" and he hates credit.... and you took it on credit.... utalipia wapi with full disclosures.... aaaish!

Remember, we are not saying that you do not disclose, with your statement, you have taken it a way new level..... Unless you are very insensitive, women always get to know when the guy is living beyond his means waaaaayyyy before you get married or think of living together... for a guy you are serious with, he will lie the first month of dating.... the second will be a "gotcha!!"

...Kwani the suits are all of the same colour...Ama we are colour blind...Asi!!!

@Wendz,
You forgot to tell Magigi this.Women are very secretive.....and the reason,as an old guide once told me,lies in the fact that while men see the broader picture (Car,properties,land,school fees,a rural retreat,medical care and Rhoda's bills),women see the finer details(Salon,dressing up,chamas,coughing children,your growing tummy,torn curtains,the neighbour's new cat and that look you gave the mboch last evening....Thank you!.You can keep your millions).

@ wendz,yeah suprisingly we listen to what those who have gone before us have to say....only that sometimes we don agree:)

Hmmmm the IPO? it went so well,the nice polished gent of the wazua tribe still jazzes my life. wacha nimtumie hiyo link ya Shompole