I think you need to find what works for you! If you're looking for the "sure thing" in terms of financial stability, I don't really think it exists in our current economic climate! However, seeing as how financial issues are a reason why many couples break up, it is important to be with someone with whom you are financially compatible (if that makes sense!)

Is your question, is it important to be with someone who can take care of you financially on one income?

Well, I guess I think it is somewhat important, but then I think it important one can take care of oneself as well (have an education in a field that jobs are in demand, not just education in any field). In this economy, job security is pretty uncertain, and I think it is less stressful if a couple financially plan to live as if they are dependent on only one income (even though both may be working).

As a pp pointed out, many breaks up result from financial distress... That's just the way the world goes round, you need money to put food on the table, buy clothes, and have a roof over your head. Basic needs...

Does the person need to be rich? Heck no. But I think it is important both persons be prepared to be able to financially take care of themselves, versus looking for a relationship where the other person will provide and take care of them... I see nothing wrong with living on one income (me and the ex did it for 8 yrs), but I think the key is be able to be self sufficient if emergency should arise...

Everyone should be willing and able to support themselves in my opinion. We shouldn't be relying solely on another person to provide everything for us. Things happen in life and you should never put yourself in a position of not being able to provide for yourself or your children.

What do you consider financially stable? Just a roof over your head and food in your belly? Or able to splash cash around like crazy?

My little sister has been searching for the man who can support her financially for years, and while she has bounced around I've been settled down for almost 6 years with one man who makes me happy. At this point in our lives he makes enough to pay the bills, what I bring in is just fluff. But before it wasn't like that. When we met, I made more. The day I found out I was pregnant he got laid off, for 6 months. So I worked extra shifts and picked up another job.

Money should be second in any relationship, love first.

If you intend to have children in your marriage it is imperative that both of you individually are capable making enough money to provide food, housing, clothing, transportation and medical care for your children, in case if the other party is not working.
Love is wonderful, but financial problems can do serious damage to a relationship.
I think your family would feel a lot more secure if you both had a solid plan how to ensure your financial stability.
To me financial stability does not mean lots of money, it means consistently providing the same thing to my kids.
We lived in the same home for 13 years, they go to the same school, there is food in the fridge and they have all medical benefits from a private insurance. If I lost all child support from my ex , I can still support myself and maintain the same kind of things I have now.

Hi, Pam. See you in the Codependency board a lot!

Similar philosophies about money is pretty important! Especially if you plan to get married. If one spends and the other saves, it spells doom, for the relationship, not to mention each of your financial futures. Personally, I think we should ALL cut back our "wants", down-size our "dreams", keep living expenses as low as possible and SAVE. Times are undoubtedly going to get worse financially all over the world.

It's not how much you make; it's how much you KEEP. There's a tendency for all of us to say "oohh...I'm now making X amount; therefore, I can now afford to buy this and this and this..." At the end of the day, you're just as broke as you were before the raise.

I'm of the opinion a couple should have at least $10k saved before they have their first child. Diapers, clothes wardrobe changes, formula, etc., in the first two years of the child's development will eat that up in a hurry. Two incomes seems to be a reality for anyone considering having children these days. I don't see a single income being a "decent" enough wage to support a family anymore. Maybe with at least $10k saved, one person can take the first two years off to raise the child, then, when the child is 2 years old, go back to work.

Of course, with both people in the couple working, and nannies or babysitters basically raising the kid(s), any extra money goes to the nannies or babysitters, so extra money is pretty much a moot point anyway. And what kind of parents would we be when we're off chasing the bucks and are never around for our kids? It pretty much sucks.

Legitimate home-based businesses, that are not scams, and that provide quality time with the kids, and each other, seems to be the only answer. Let me know when you find one.

Sorry your partner was made "redundant". That's corporate culture for ya. Hopefully you two will both find your groove, jobs that suit your particular talents, where you easily work very fast and generate a lot of coin.

Two separate bank accounts is probably the best option in any marriage. One person is placed in charge of paying X bills out of their account, the other person is placed in charge of paying X bills out of their account. Or, calculate an equal PERCENTAGE of each person's income to pay bills. Then, whatever percentage is left over is the person's own money, to do with as they please. Calculating an equal dollar (or pound) amount won't work, because the person earning less will feel squeezed, resentful that the person earning more isn't paying more.

Now, the Indian / English culture clash thing...that's another matter. Good luck with that one. Your SO needs to play nicer with your strict parents. The little I heard from him, he seems like an egotistical ass, and I don't really like him either, BUT...you obviously like him because he's confident and takes control (of you).

Now, if he truly wants to be "the man", he's got to do the hardest thing for a man with a big ego to do...suck it up, be humble, and play nice, with others; maybe not kiss ass, but be a good collaborator, a team player. Hope that's going well!