Hubby (and I) could use some budget pixies (I know they're out there!), long About This Page:

[graygables]

When hubby and I married nearly 13 years ago, he handed me everything that had to do with the household, including the budget/bills. When he took over his Dad's business 8 years ago, he handed me THAT checkbook, too. For years, I've been making it work, but he's slowly killed the business by not seeking clients/work and we closed it this month. That was very hard on me, facing a future with uncertain income, he's down to "side jobs" now (although I'd think by definition a "side job" would indicate that one has a "regular job"...). We've been fighting frequently (NEVER fought the first 12 years of our marriage) and he pulled the "I don't know where the money goes" card. I offered to show him the budget sheet and he said, "I don't WANT to see it". (then don't gripe...) I finally wrote it out for him and set it on his desk so he couldn't miss it. I'm tired of trying to be gentle and explain where the money goes. One point last year, I told him a payment was due and he said (for real!), "I thought we just paid that last month???" yeah, we did, now it's a NEW month. I tried taking him grocery shopping so he could see how much things cost, but he doesn't have very good social skills and would say (very loudly), "We can't afford that, put it back!" when I bought things like broccoli or lettuce. It got too embarrassing, so I quit taking him along. Not only does he want to pretend to live in the 50s (women's work and "where's my dinner" and all that), but he still thinks bread is fifty cents a loaf!

He's depressed and angry (and embarrassed for running his Dad's 40 year company into the ground) and while I understand, I'm a DO SOMETHING person and he's not doing a thing. I have 20 shows for 110 days on the road next year in addition to all of my other responsibilities as the Mom (and often single parent), so he can't be looking to me. It's falling on HIM to get motivated and get some work. He's used to taking 4 months off every winter and that's just not going to happen this year.

Please send pixies that I have patience to deal with him and send him pixies to actively start looking for work. I just don't understand why a "50s" man wouldn't WANT to support his family. I could also use some peace and calm pixies...it's very scary standing here with no paycheck in sight!

[jagafen]

and hope for the best. Maybe this will be the impetus for him to take more responsibility with/for the family finances.....

[wayneava81]

[Disney_Scarlett]

[PatV]

The holidays are so hard. Wishing you patience and good will. Being the "it" girl in our family is exhausting so I can relate.

Keep your head up, take it one task at a time, and know you're not alone.

[Tigger71]

[dejavu]

[Lemap760]

[clio]

Liz

[scottjs]

Pixies to you. So sorry.

[koalamom]

[Happymommy]

[greentie]

[lukeandbrookesmom]

[wdwmom23boys]

Money issues can be so tough!