The dangerous and sad part about a married couple not taking care of the finances TOGETHER is that, okay example: When my husband passed on it was no problem for me because I always took care of the money etc. His checks came to the house and I put them into the bank after he signed the back, rarely even checking to see what he made. Better example of what can happen:
My cousin, like me handled everything financial and at the age of 44 died suddenly of a stroke. Her husband was left with children and absolutely no idea of the bills they owed, where the banking papers were, what they had and he didn't even know what bank the money was in etc. He was literally devastated for months until statements began appearing, bills that were due etc. I still believe theres a savings account out there somewhere thats never been found. SO ladies its not NICE when your hubby knows and helps with the bills its CRUCIAL. This IS a family affair.

I agree with you Chatty Lady....My husband does know where everything is and he knows how. This did happen to him with his first marriage when she died. So he stays in the loop just enough to know where everything is.

Not only should they know how to pay the bills, but they should also know how to run the household.

You don't find this too much with our generation, but I recall working at a church when an elderly woman died. Her poor husband was one lost puppy. He didn't know how to boil a pot of water!

My husband knows where everything is and where all the contact info is. I agree that it is a big problem when someone passes away and the significant other has no idea what kind of financial situation there in. My parents arethis way. My mom has no clue. WHen my Dad has his massive heart attack and came home, he showed me where eveything is and who I would have to call and what all he had. It was a little creepy, but I was glad he told me. While I think my Mom should know, it is up to my Dad to tell her and my Mom has never pressured me for the information. I guess he figured since I run my household financially I would have a better understanding of how things work, who knows.