If you are part of a couple and have separate accounts...

[Minimor]

And if you depend on money from both accounts to pay the bills each month--PLEASE make sure that you have made provisions for when/if something terrible happens and one of you is incapacitated. You my think you are young, healthy, nothing will happen, or you may just not think about it at all. Please know that things can go terribly, horribly wrong in just a heartbeat--a simple day surgery can go awry, leaving the patient in a coma--or it could be a car accident, or a horse relayed injury, or anything. It is heartbreaking enough to deal with the injury/illness, you do not need to be worrying about how you are going to get to the money you need to pay the mortgage or buy food. Make sure you can renew the car insurance even if it is in your partner's name. Make sure you have authority to discuss the phone bill even if your name isn't on the account. Plan for the worst, and hopefully you will never need to use that plan!

 

[Reignmaker Miniatures]

This is an excellent piece of advice. I do hope it comes from something you've seen recently and not something that has become a problem in your own life. Either way, I agree, don't put off making sure you can manage with out your significant other to physically be involved (and the other way around too). A wise friend once said to me "Hope for the best but plan for the worst"

 

[Minimor]

No, I am happy to say this doesn't come from personal experience--but sad to say it does come from something that has happened to someone I know. It is a very sad situation and a huge burden on the one that has to deal with it all.