I want to agree with you because this has worked for me for over 10 years, but I think that it works for couples who communicate well and regularly. It does create the risk that one person could be creating debt. Some people might have just as happy a marriage with completely joint accounts.

I believe that the delay this year is due to the gov't shutdown

Sounds like you're getting a 100% return on your investment! I'd suggest going in for the full $30. It's really about $5 out of your pocket, because it's pretax, but it probably means years added to your retirement (I'm not exaggerating here)

I did this with Comcast and they gave me a "Valued Customer Discount" of $15/month. Not the best, but better than nothing. I really wanted to have my bill go down a lot more...

It was from the movie Tampopo, mostly about a noodle shop, all about food. He also has a carrot around his neck