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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

I pay all the bills, husband pays nothing

182 replies

DevonSunSeaSand · 24/02/2025 23:21

I earn more than my husband but pay for every household bill, food, and holidays. Whilst I understand that it's unusual for this to be the case (the woman earning more), I'm still irritated that he doesn't pay towards joint costs.

He used to contribute to household expenses but never half, and since last year he's paying nothing. His money is all for himself and child maintenance but he still tells me he's broke every month despite earning more than the UK average.

We had a constructive chat a few weeks back about him paying off debt, setting up joint savings and having all our money in one account once he had cleared the loans etc, which he was agreeable to at the time. And then within a few days of the conversation, a new mobile phone costing over £1k arrives. The disappointment.

I'm frankly a bit fed up with it all but feel quite helpless and tired of butting my head on a brick wall.

AIBU for feeling unjust about the finances?

OP posts:
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MeowCatPleaseMeowBack · 06/06/2025 13:50

Throwntothewolves · 06/06/2025 08:00

You realise that despite MN lore that doesn’t actually work out unless you each bring home the same amount?
But the point that both should contribute according to their earnings and have money to spend themselves is reasonable.

You either have to earn the same amount or be mature people in a healthy relationship.

Throwntothewolves · 06/06/2025 08:00

Hurdlin · 24/02/2025 23:25

You should both contribute proportionately according to your earnings, and have equal spending money left over for yourselves.

Draw up aspeadheet, work it all out and set up standing orders accordingly. If he doesn't agree to that then there's bigger issues at play.

You realise that despite MN lore that doesn’t actually work out unless you each bring home the same amount?
But the point that both should contribute according to their earnings and have money to spend themselves is reasonable.

Lighteningstrikes · 06/06/2025 07:51

How long have you been married?

As you’re married, he could have a claim on your house.

Because he hasn’t contributed, you need to minimise the risk.

See a solicitor and get the ball rolling as soon as possible.

NestEmptying · 06/06/2025 07:48

You said "I do wish there was a way out of it that meant a happy ending as a couple. Been watching too many rom coms I feel!"

You have! I call them rom cons. We're fed a lie that being with a man makes us happy. We need more films where the woman ends up happy and man free! Statistically married women are less happy than single women.

You could be one of those happy single women!

Renabrook · 06/06/2025 07:43

Well yes he should same as women who have male partners who earn more,all adults should contribute financially

Needapadlockonmyfridge · 06/06/2025 07:42

Honestly, I would leave.
The sooner you do it, the less you will lose out financially.

Edit: if house in your name then just issue divorce pdq. He may not leave, but you need to get things in motion.

Todayismyfavouriteday · 06/06/2025 07:39

DevonSunSeaSand · 25/02/2025 15:43

I certainly went into this full of boundaries, and I took no crap whatsoever at the time which men did not like. This one seemed to accept me for me but gradually that is not the case as affection is withheld if I do something "wrong". That's not a quote from him but I do get into trouble for voicing thoughts and discussing things.

I have occasional outbursts of "I need better"and explaining what I need. Those conversations never end with me feeling better as he defends himself, withdraws and stonewalls.

It has also been said that why should he contribute just to make me better off and have savings when his name isn't on the mortgage. Cue implosion. He also doesn't remember saying these things when I question it later in a calm manner.

I've been by his side through two court battles with his ex over the child. Both incidents are because I exist in the childs life which his ex dislikes (and tells the child), the latest one involved me controlling my husband, which I was cleared of after investigation. Those incidents have made me feel awful which is likely why I'm less boundary driven and people pleasing again.

I do wish there was a way out of it that meant a happy ending as a couple. Been watching too many rom coms I feel!

Happy ending as a couple, with a horrid man like that? Too many rom coms, yes, and not the best kind.

Todayismyfavouriteday · 06/06/2025 07:36

Lucky for you there are no children. Kick him out. Why do you even want to be with him? Mindblowing sex? Low self-esteem? I can think of a few more reasons along those lines - none of them good enough to put up with a freeloader.

Numberfish · 02/05/2025 18:07

crumblingschools · 24/02/2025 23:30

For those saying kick him out, as OP is the higher earner she may be worse off

Can’t put a price on not being disrespected. He’s an absolute cockwomble. Can’t imagine allowing such a lack of manhood to get through the door, let alone sleep with him.

Walker1178 · 02/05/2025 13:27

Wow. There’s been loads of similar threads and yet I’m constantly surprised that someone has to ask if this is ok. Spoiler alert - It’s not!!!

He’s a full grown capable adult and should be taking care of himself. Stop sponsoring his lifestyle. He either contributes to your shared expenses or goes elsewhere where the likelihood is he’ll be responsible for paying for everything he needs.

FrankbyNature · 02/05/2025 08:08

You need to negotiate a deal that works for both of you, sign it and stick to it. If he doesn't, you need to dump him.

He is a d1ck.

Pussycat22 · 19/04/2025 09:41

Beep beep beep!!! Cocklodger alert!

Lyraloo · 18/04/2025 23:47

Oh dear, reading all your posts it’s clear you’re hurting over this and don’t want another relationship to end. But, and it’s a big but, you know without asking that this relationship is doomed. He has zero respect for you, he doesn’t want to contribute and make you better off! What sort of a husband would say that?
its tough but you know you’ll be better off without him. You’re worth more than being an emotional and financial punchbag for him.

Beesandhoney123 · 17/04/2025 23:10

Well he sounds delightful.
No joint account. Just tell him his share of the household bills is x.
Also tell him he owes you x

If he won't pay then ask him what his plans are to support himself within the relationship.

Suggest stop sharing your finances with him, any savings etc. Cancel anything you pay for, for him. And don't pay for his holidays!! Go, but not with this gigolo.

JediNinja · 01/03/2025 11:14

The sooner you leave him, the sooner you will have mental space and time to meet other people, join hobbies, join clubs, get to know nicer people who can bring you joy. And perhaps even a new better relationship. I know it feels like there's a void after breaking a relationship and we imagine it hard if we don't have a network of support . But you will be surprised how quickly you can meet people and build that network. When I went through something similar, without the marriage certificate though, I was in a different city, no family nearby, all my friends were his friends... I worried so much about being alone... and within half a year after leaving I was in such a better happier place that I wished I had done it sooner.

Can you imagine yourself growing older with this man? How would you like your life to be if you could right now have anything you wanted? Is he in that picture? (He as he is now, not the ideal version that he hooked you with). Does he fit in that? What would you tell a friend in your situation? Does he bring the best in you and does he bring you happiness and comfort, or does he bring the worst and does he make you feel awful? I think you know the answer...

NameChanges123 · 01/03/2025 06:50

DevonSunSeaSand · 24/02/2025 23:43

For those asking, no children together. Married as he was different before, a gent and kind. Met the wants I needed in a second husband.

He left his job at the start of 2024 but got another a few months later.

The mortgage is in my name as he had his own home when I met him. He sold up and moved in and was contributing. I earn just under double his earnings.

Edited

Great - easy to get rid of him then.

AnnoyedAsAllHeck · 01/03/2025 04:42

@DevonSunSeaSand Every day that you stay with this dud, is another day closer that he can work at ruining your life.
I am hoping he does make enough to support himself, but unless you want him in your savings, pension, equity and whatever else, you need to divorce him now.

You didn't make a mistake. He acted the way he knew he had to act to be able to reel you in. Then his true colors came out. This is not on you. It's on him.
Please see a solicitor asap and find out where you stand. Find a solicitor who will be a lion for you.

Please do NOT combine your accounts because you know what will happen. He has manipulated you long enough. Get your freedom from this cocklodger, so you can get your happiness back.

Devianinc · 28/02/2025 23:01

DeepFatFried · 28/02/2025 09:47

They are married. A financial settlement will ensure that he has enough to support himself. Which as he doesn’t atm, means a court could award him a load of her equity, savings, pension…

This is the ‘yes but….’ To the constant MN refrain of ‘get married for the protection’. Sometimes marriage is the opposite.

They haven’t been married that long, the sooner she gets out the better. Don’t let him build up anymore equity in your house. Get out before it gets bigger.

K90 · 28/02/2025 10:41

Don’t put you salary in a joint account!!!!!

ScarlettSunset · 28/02/2025 10:00

DeepFatFried · 28/02/2025 09:47

They are married. A financial settlement will ensure that he has enough to support himself. Which as he doesn’t atm, means a court could award him a load of her equity, savings, pension…

This is the ‘yes but….’ To the constant MN refrain of ‘get married for the protection’. Sometimes marriage is the opposite.

If he can spend £1000 on a phone, he has enough money to be paying his own way. He is just choosing not to pay and claiming he can't afford it while spending money on frivolous items.

As it has been a short marriage, and they have no shared children, the OP is in a much better position than she will be if she waits.

Even if she does have to give something up to him, she will STILL be in a better position than if she continues to pay everything for him indefinitely. Once she is free of him, she can make plans and move on and rebuild her finances from any damage this relationship has caused.

DeepFatFried · 28/02/2025 09:47

littlemisspigg · 26/02/2025 22:19

How's that?

They are married. A financial settlement will ensure that he has enough to support himself. Which as he doesn’t atm, means a court could award him a load of her equity, savings, pension…

This is the ‘yes but….’ To the constant MN refrain of ‘get married for the protection’. Sometimes marriage is the opposite.

Devianinc · 27/02/2025 23:38

DevonSunSeaSand · 25/02/2025 08:48

Some of the equity went to his debt, the rest as a deposit for a new car which he pays the loan for. I don't use it as I have my own car (albeit breaking down regularly).

My equity has probably been accumulated 50% pre marriage, 50% after. Married 2 years.

Whilst I do feel quite doomed it's the end (as there are other problems too), I really wish it wasn't. It hurts to the core thinking of ending it and I don't have much of a support system to wallow in self pity for however long it takes to get over it. I had hoped the second time I'd get it right. Feelings suck 😂

You’re allowed to make mistakes. Everyone does but it doesn’t mean you have to stay in your second mistake bc you’re afraid of being judged. You need to get out of this relationship as as possible bc he’s just using you. Men who love you show you love, this man is just a taker. Don’t care what anybody else thinks. Take control of your future and it’s ok to not have a man in your life.bit doesn’t make you any less. In fact it makes you the boss bitch. Dump him

LalaPaloosa2024 · 27/02/2025 12:26

I’m furious for you. See a lawyer. A shirt marriage and no kids means that you are likely to walk away without losing any money.

I had a cock lodger husband who took this attitude. I had to pay him a small fortune to get out of the marriage because we had a child together. My lawyer told me that had we been married longer I’d have had to give him half.

Honestly, I know it’s not what you want but you can’t stay with a man who is using and disrespecting you like this.

Codlingmoths · 27/02/2025 12:25

There is a happy ending, but not as a couple.

Sweetpickle101 · 27/02/2025 12:20

luckylavender · 27/02/2025 08:48

Why are you putting up with this?

This - OP honestly I think you’re unreasonable for putting up with this

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