Talking About Money
We’re finally in the first full week of the first month of the year. I was worried about my paycheck being less than what it normally was due to increased cost of insurance, but it wasn’t too bad. Even with that said, it still wasn’t much money to work with coming out of December. At the same time my wife has no money coming in yet which is now a problem.
My wife graduated with her masters, so she is officially a teacher now. I am patiently waiting for her to make the effort to get a temporary substitute job while she is working on a more germinate position. She is fully qualified and will make a great teacher, but the school isn’t going to hand her a job. Money has been tight since she stopped working and did student teaching. We need to get back to DINK (Dual Income No Kids) stage so enough money is coming in so I don’t feel all the pressure.
The reason I’m frustrated during this period of single income, our spending has increased not decreased. Sometimes I would pull from the EF just to hold us over to rebuild it back to its original amount. Since the EF was blown apart in December, we don’t have any cash to spare right now. This is why I get very frustrated when stupid things come up like Coldstone (ice cream) and Starbucks. We can’t afford these things right now and really need discipline when it comes to spending. No more using the credit cards to hold things over.
I’ve tried to have a serious talk about money before, but it usually turns into something else. The last thing I need is a fight because that doesn’t accomplish or change the present situation at all. Something tells me I’m going to have to find an additional job to bring in extra income. I hope she gets some temporary sub spots soon because we can really use the money to help ease the pressure I have been under. We have awhile to go yet before I get paid again and 2/3 of that goes directly to our regular monthly bills. Lifestyle is going to get seriously cut here until the income situation improves.
Maybe you should cut up the cards now? That will definitely stop the credit card usage.
Just a suggestion!
Sometimes I am so happy I’m not married. This is one of those times. I wish you luck. Hang in there.
Has your wife considered applying for positions with tutoring agencies in your area while she hunts for a permanent teaching position? Around here, people who’re in the master’s program in teaching are highly in demand as tutors, and since tutoring generally takes place outside of normal school hours, it wouldn’t interfere with interviewing for jobs.
Sometimes it can be hard to have the financial discussion, but it’d definitely be worth it in the long run.
Your wife doesn’t seem to really “get” finances. Which is perfectly normal, a lot of people don’t. An expensive purse? Please, I make good money and still don’t buy expensive handbags. Since you seem to “get” finances, and you are married, you either have to pull the weight for both of you, or have that hard discussion. With the massive student loan payments coming up, she simply has to take the iniative to be an adult and earn money. It sort of sucks, but we all have to do it at some point. Best of luck!
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Please, I make good money and still don’t buy expensive handbags.
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And that’s your choice and priority. I make a decent wedge and like to travel. But my penchant for experiences could just as easily be something material. I have a friend who works hard, her husband works hard and she doesn’t consider her year complete without a new diamond something, whether it’s a necklace or earrings or what have you. Your priorities for you money will not be the same as someone else’s for his/her money.
But yeah, his wife needs a serious financial reality check. Over a hundred grand to become a teacher?! Oy vey!
I agree with E.C. She should look into tutoring if subbing isn’t working out. Or she could work in retail…anything that could bring in cash to help the situation.
I have to admit that I am very thankful (like veronica) that I’m not married. I’m able to splurge (not on purses, but I have a pretty awesome road bike that cost about $2k) without feeling guilty that my husband doesn’t approve.
That is just not to become a teacher.. I also have a degree in Biological Science. I have the intentions of eventually doing additional educational work in a zoo or aquarium. I did not receive any financial aid and my graduate school was a private school. In our area, to in order to find a graduate school that offered an initial teaching certificate, I had to look at private schools. That is why my student loan debt is so high. Please remember that you are only hearing one side of the story… which is often the the whole truth.