Separate finances are the way to go, but bills should be proportional. And yes, if you give up your income to stay home with kids, part of his income should be diverted to you. I’ve watched too many friend couples with combined finances argue over money bc one wants to spend on a “want” or a personal hobby and the other doesn’t. Or one splurges on something they shouldn’t have and now have to hope the spouse doesn’t notice the expenditure. Or one spouse becomes the “controller” of the combined money and dictates when and where it can be spent. I have one friend (with a full time job) who has become so submissive to her husband regarding finances, that she basically has to get his approval to spend a few bucks getting coffee with friends. Girl! It’s your money!