by Lachamakiita » Tue Dec 04, 2012 11:16 am
Dear ThunderHorse,
So, your problem is that you feel that you are losing ground on the budget arrangements in your family, right? And since your wife started working she feels that her money does not need to go toward household expenses.
According to my General Psychology Professor, Dr. Misiurski says,” that Surface trait is the characteristic that can be inferred from observable behavior.” This mean that because your wife see that you expend the money in things that she disagrees, she feels free to do the same thing.
In your case, you and your wife need to understand that budgeting is a tricky but necessary part of setting up housekeeping. If you've never budgeted before, now is the time to get started. Realistic budgeting includes a willingness to confront your spending patterns honestly, strip out those things that are eating up your income. Just because you have money in your pocket, or in your checking account, doesn't mean that you should spend it. After paying your bills and for necessities, make sure that some of your money goes into your savings.
My Advice to you is to take a month to carefully document your normal spending habits. During this month, try not to change the way you spend your money. Instead, keep records of what you spend and where you spend it. When the month is up, sit down with your wife and have a look at your spending. Identify at least five ways in which you are each overspending, set some limits, and redirect that money toward savings, investing, or paying down debt.
Thank you for sharing your problem!
Respectfully,
Lachamakiita