budgetizing...?

Question

I grew up with foreign frugal parents, so I don't go nuts shopping. I buy sales etc. He didn't grow up with a silver spoon, but he loves his boy toys, thinks nothing of getting things that are "important". He wants me to now save on spending when I already do the best I can, which to him and I had been "normal". Help! What do I fix? His views (if so, how?) or what? {I should have spent money before, then I'd have something to cut back on!}

FYI: the toys are anything electronic. Computer add ons; more memory.. etc. And his logic is that 'it's for the benefit of the whole family'. Buying bottle of juice for the kids, is not needed and they can drink water. I HAD 150k 10 yrs ago, inheritance, but now it's gone for his cruises and toys and logical expenses. Yea, sure, we needed a shed and snow thrower, but any money we needed, over budget, came out of my money, no problem, but now I'm at-home mom and broke. So now I have to listen to him telling me how *MUCH* I spend. oh, he never thought to set money asside for college money, or improvements. Mr. MBA.

Answer 1

Try finding a low-cost or free financial counselor with whom the two of you can meet - credit unions usually have them available to members. Before meeting with a counselor, you both will have to complete budgeting forms that help you analyze your finances pretty closely; then, the counselor can help you further examine areas in which you can conserve - including his "boy toys". The counselor will help you create a reasonable budget upon which both of you can agree.

By having a professional suggest ways to conserve, any saving he must do can't be disregarded as nagging. Also, you might find some previously unknown savings. Either way, you'll probably be able to work out a mutual plan with which both of you can be at least content, if not happy. Good luck!

Answer 2

He has an MBA and didn't invest the 150,000 and live only on the interest? Wow. You would have had an extra 1000 a month for ever. Well now you just have to live with this. Make a budget and track where every penny goes. Then sit down at the end of the month and he will see who spent what. It will be an eye opening experience. When we did this we were blown away that we were spending $600 a month on eating out. Good luck!

Answer 3

Put down on paper where you spend the money. Then make a list of the boy toys he has bought in the past two years. As him where he would like you to cut. First thing to go should be the things he likes the most. (Like eating steak) Then ask him to show you his list (bet he goes to Starbucks and buys his lunch every day)

Answer 4

Make a rule in your household like neither of you can spend more than $100 on one item without telling each other first. Or make a budget each month, and make him plan and justify next toy. You should do the same with your next shopping purchase. You guys should work together on purchases, and maybe consider buying things together.

Answer 5

Just say "okay sweety" then spend your own money however you like. If you dont already, start your own bank account. Keep one together for bills and have your own for your expenses.

Answer 6

Tell him you'll save on spending when he does. He said it so he can set the example.

Answer 7

Perhaps you should recommend he cut back on boy toys.

Answer 8

Tell him you have already been doing your part now it is his turn. Don't let this selfish man depend on you to sacrifice so he can live large.

Answer 9

it's your money he has no place to tell you what to do with it!

Answer 10

quit bitching and get back in the kitchen