I suppose different families do it different ways. In one family, both the husband and wife might contribute a portion of what they earn towards the family as a whole, and what is left over, is each of theirs, to do with as they wish. In another family, however, each spouse might contribute all towards the family (a community of goods).

In answering the above question, I believe that the example of the early Christian Church (in Jerusalem) is very helpful in determining what to do.

The Bible tells us that all of the believers were one in heart and mind and that no one claimed that any of his, or her, possessions were their own. (Acts 4:32) They willingly shared all that they had with the other believers. Instead of selfishly holding on to what they had, each looked upon their possessions as belonging to all within their fellowship. They truly were a family in Christ.