Comments on: Reader question: What to do about spendthrift spouse?

By: Ana

Ana — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 20:23:20 +0000

I was reading an article from The Simple Dollar called Undermining Your Frugality and he had touched on a few points that might help. Here’s the link. http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2008/07/14/undermining-your-frugality/

By: Peter

Peter — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 18:04:29 +0000

I’d suggest doing a zero-based budget - much like Dave Ramsey suggests - where ALL of your money is spent and/or allocated before the month even begins. Within that budget you could have a category for “blow money” or money that your husband can just blow on whatever he wants - on himself, on others etc. That way he isn’t feeling like he’s being controlled or not allowed to “enjoy himself”. At the same time you’ll have budget categories for saving/investing/etc - so that you can save money and feel more secure.

I would strongly suggest Dave Ramsey as well.

Peter’s last blog post..Money Matters

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By: Nicola

Nicola — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 08:09:12 +0000

How long have you been trying to persuade him to start saving? It might just be taking him a while to catch up wth your way of thinking.

By: Mrs. Micah

Mrs. Micah — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 20:27:42 +0000

The advice I’m thinking of is similar to teaching kids to save. If he’s a spendthrift, could you perhaps encourage him to have a certain amount of discipline and save up for some of his purchases? Just getting into the habit is a good start. Seeing the benefits.

Then work from there?

By: Lori

Lori — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 15:04:43 +0000

The only advice I have is this: If he is a spendthrift, DO NOT let him take over the job of paying the bills every month. Because you might find him using that money to buy something you guys don’t even need instead of paying the bills. I learned that lesson the hard way.

My husband and I have been married for 12 years, and we started out in a very similar situation to yours. He liked to spend money…and eventually it rubbed off on me and we were on a downward spiral. Things started to get better after I changed my ways and took over paying the bills. He likes the fact that I pay everything on time, and he spends much less in order to keep it that way. Give him an allowance…he will “get it” eventually. Don’t give up!

By: T

Sat, 12 Jul 2008 12:14:40 +0000

My husband was similar when we were first together. What helped him was some cold hard facts. I used an online calculator, titled “How much will my savings be worth?” from bankrate.com, put in the amount I expected we could reasonably save if spending habits changed, and project what that account would be worth in a year, 5 years, 10 years, etc. My husband said that before seeing those numbers, it was hard for him to see the point in saving - any amount we saved seemed so small to him that he couldn’t imagine it amounting to anything worthwhile. Now he totally gets it, and we have saved a lot of money without any more arguments or frustration on my part about it.

By: Kimberly

Kimberly — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 03:53:26 +0000

When you’re dating someone, at what point do you start talking about money? My boyfriend and I know each other’s habits, but I don’t feel right talking to him about what I think he should do with his money. For example, he was looking at laptops until he found out that he wont be getting a stimulus check. He said “maybe they have a lay a way program”. I said “or you could put it into savings and see if you can find a better deal later on?” and he stuck his tongue out on me. Oy, money and drinking are probably our only challenges (right now). When do you take that next step?

Kimberly’s last blog post..Lacking updates - sorry

By: T

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 23:56:17 +0000

What great suggestions- and I think that the best part is that these wives are RESPECTING their husbands and in turn, the men are seeing how they can love their wives and help them feel a bit more secure. It may be wise to seek a pastor’s counsel or some other Christian counselor (Crown Financial has some great resources)now, too, and not wait until something “big” happens. God Bless.