Money management can be a huge problem for bipolar persons. “Normal” people in the Western world spend money on things that are “must have”, even to excess in our consumption obsessed culture. During manic episodes there is a lack of ability to recognize consequences, due to feelings of grandiosity, or “great” business plans that would seem irrational when said bipolar individual was feeling normal. It is very easy for a bipolar to pile up mountains of debt, and one bad episode can result in years of paying for bad decisions.
To deal with your bipolar compulsions, limit credit card use or simply don’t get credit cards to start with. Why pay later just to have something now? Debit cards work just as well and you can set daily limits with your bank. Keep a record and give yourself an allowance so that you will not spend yourself into a hole. Agree not to start any new businesses or follow through on them when you are manic.
If you have a bipolar spouse, keep the credit cards and all the finances in your name. This should be a condition of your continuation of marriage or a long-term relationship, as you are partly responsible for their finances and will bear the consequences of their mistakes.