The Moneyist: ‘I’m being taken advantage of by my own husband’: I pay all the bills and gave the down payment for our home, and all he does is buy stuff and contribute to his 401(k)

My husband and I both had negative lines on our credit reports, so I paid off everything. I told him to build credit, we’d likely need a few credit cards to make small purchases and payments on. He ignored me until a lender gave him the same advice, stating that I should be added to two of his cards as an authorized user so both of us could build credit. He did not follow this advice. 

We found a home that we loved, but he would not put me on the mortgage, saying my credit wasn’t good enough. Yet I made the down payment, paid closing costs, paid for the actual move, paid the final bills at the old house, bought furniture for the new house, and supported us for the first two months. 

I also started working again and I make almost as much as he does per year being self-employed. I continue to make the mortgage payments even though I am not on the loan, although I am on the title deed. 

As luck would have it, our home value has increased dramatically, so we decided to take out a small home-equity loan for a couple of repairs.

I went through my bank because they offer a fixed rate. They also refinanced my car and gave me a credit card with a $5,000 limit. 

I suggested that my husband ask about refinancing his truck, and he also got a great rate. But he was given a credit card with a $15,000 limit because his credit is better (thanks to me). 

I have to put him on the home-equity loan because his credit is better.

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