We love answering reader questions, but this one was tough. The wife shares her frustration with her husband not being on the same page and not desiring to change. Here’s our thoughts on their situation.
In the past, we’ve answered readers questions… but today’s question came to us from Jeff’s blog, Good Financial Cents, and we knew we had to share it with you!
Reader’s Question: “The biggest problem I have besides budgeting is having a spouse flat out refuse to help. He gives me via direct deposit the paycheck from his first job which is about $300 a week take home. The second which is cash, that he uses to do whatever he desires. He refuses to cut back on any services, cable, etc. We attended Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University a few years back and the furthest we’ve come since is finally making a budget and sharing a bills account, but he isn’t interested in any future goals.
My student loans were my deal, I worked part time too to fill in the budget gap to make headway on bills. So for a year now, I’ve been taking care of savings, planning and bill paying. We have three children at home or else I’d work full time. So I don’t want to hear, we need time to work together or thoughts on his behavior, I want to hear as I see others in my position how to make financial change without the spouse on board.” – Dawn
Tune in and hear how we think Dawn might be able to move forward and how we’ve been able to make money and marriage goals together.
LINKS FROM THE PODCAST
Mandy!
I am JUST LIKE YOU when it comes to morning time. My husband always feels the need to snuggle with me at 7:30 on a Saturday and I have (jokingly) told him on multiple occasions “I don’t love you before 9:00am.” Haha. We always get a laugh out of it (after 9am of course!). Haha!
The tips are great but I too can relate to this listener’s complaint. We too did FPU and like her, I am the goal maker. I think there lies a deeper issue than suggesting he may not want to do it, it may be a pride issue (as is for my husband) or it may be her, her approach to this. It is frustrating NOT to have spouse that isn’t more proactive. There’s often deeper issues than suggesting he’s the problem and she isn’t. Good points that were good reminders and take away for myself.
I’m so excited to celebrate sweet baby girl! I’d love the California turkey and chocolate peanut butter cupcake. What a treat! Thank you!
Just heard that podcast on Friday! Shame that we forget what a marriage really is!! I do have to say it left me heartbroken for that mom..