Should marriage partners combine assets?

Taking a short break from brief-writing and thought of a question you might be interested in.  From the day we were married, my wife and I have always viewed everything we have as “ours.”  I was thinking about this the other days, as I thought about “our” trying to raise enough money to fund “our” retirement.  We simply don’t think of “his” and “hers” at all.

It’s worked well for us, and , given the times we were married in and the way we viewed marriage, it made perfect sense for us.  But, in this age of easy marriage, easy divorce, pre-nups and such, I wonder if that’s such a good idea.  For example, I have a son with very good credit who has a girlfriend with terrible credit.  I doubt they will ever marry, but, if the do, it would not make sense for them to co-mingle their economic affairs.  (I worry about that relationship, but that’s another matter entirely.) 

Anyway, what is your experience and what do you suggest for young people today?  Do any of you have kids whose experience might help provide guidance? 

By the way, I’ll post again tonight if I have time, but Bookworm will be back in town tomorrow and probably back briefing tomorrow or Tuesday.  If I don’t have a chance to post anything, thank you all for joining in the conversation or just dropping by even during this busy holiday season.  As always I’ve enjoyed it and learned a lot from you all and hope you’ve enjoyed it as well.