My husband and I consider all moneys in as 'our' money. Otherwise I'd have nothing, ha. But when I do make any money off of second hand sales, story sales etc, it goes into the big pot. What we like to do though, is using a budget, we set aside an amount of fun cash that each of us gets every payday. We put a little fun cash pot aside for the family use too. That way we each have some for whatever we like. He likes to buy himself lunches out or sculpting supplies, I like fabric and clothes and sometimes a manicure. And we can opt to buy new dvd's or take the kids out to eat with the family pot.
Whenever we get extra cash not counted on, we usually pay bills with it, but with bonuses or big amounts, we celebrate a little and each get a chunk like $100 for fun. It's a great system for us.

I've had to have a re-think re budgeting, what happens with my salary and what I might do with any extra (e.g. teaching, Ebay sales, etc.). Ooh, that makes for sobering thoughts.

I haven't had a regular paycheck in years. So obviously I lead a charmed life and don't do enough for others... I donate clothes and household items to Good Will. My husband and I donate unused computer equipment to organizations that repurpose antiquated electronics for the handicapped. We also donate to a local soup kitchen.

Rebates, pocket change, and odd small denomination funds that come in, are relegated to a change bucket to be cashed and spent later. I've used this fund to buy a joint game table, have the cat spayed, or replace computer equipment. In short it's a mad money fund.

As for doing what I love, I've been fortunate enough to do it, just not for pay...sad. not.

I love it when people try to make successful people feel guilty.

you don't have anything to feel guilty about. You are a generous, wonderful woman.

My money mainly goes to bills...and outrageously expensive makeup. And candles.

Ugh. I don't want to talk about money. But I DO want to tell you that you have a giant, enormous, generous heart. And I've given you one of those bloggy friendship awards. Because you rock, friend!

Andrea- it's been so long since I've stopped in...and now you're a working woman! It's funny, I read one blog post and I'm like "Oh God, I miss her!" You're still one of my favorite writers and I'm glad you're getting paid well for it now.

I still write for BC (unpaid of course) occasionally, just when I feel the need to connect with other moms. But I sure do miss the old days...my Kim, my Andrea, my Emily...the whole gang.

Cheers from middle america...I'll be back more often!

My paycheck goes for the essentials. Bills, bills, bills, food, bills.

We're REALLLLY trying hard to pay off as much as we can so we can buy a house. And I've decided that I'd rather have a long engagement and no debt than a short engagement and still have truckloads of debt.

I am fortunate enough to not work outside the home. Thus our money is the money that Big earns. However, the decision for me to stay home--especially when our son really should have someone home with him--was both of ours. As was the decision to use our money together and make decisions together. My non-believing spouse blesses me by literally giving his blessing to a weekly offering to the church. Is it 10% of what we make? No, but it's a nice amount--probably close to 10% of what I might net if I were out earning. We give to charities each year, and for me...I try to give my time. I was that child of a single mom, who spent time at homes with stay at home moms who had her back--and mine. Sometimes even their kids and I weren't the closest of friends, but the moms always watched out for me and took me under their wings. I know my mom was forever grateful, and so am I. So, I try to be on the look-out for someone who needs a ride home or whatever. It blesses me to do it.