How did you tell your significant other?

Eep

Ok, so today I did our budget, and it was SCARY. We spend waay more than we earn. I'm too scared to post a SOA yet, but trust me, it's bad. There are a few things I think I can do straight away to start saving (switching utilities, moving debts, flogging a load of stuff), but until I can get my family to manage their expectations, I can't see us getting very far.
What did YOU do to get your brood on board?

JustinCredibleGillespie

Have you sat down with your significant other and let them see the SOA?

I think it might then strike a cord that changes are essential.

JCG

xx

Barbeduk

In all the years we've been together, my DH has never looked at a bank statement. I told him I couldn't do it on my own any more because it was making me ill. I asked him to think up ways of saving money and he offered to start working 6 day weeks, he is a traditional bloke who feels the need to be the provider (bless).

Then, because he feels so uncomfortable talking about money, I would text him (seriously!) the level of debt and any repayments I'd made. He knew he wasn't allowed to spend anything without clearing it with me.

With the kids, I tell them we don't have a lot of spare money and they have got used to not asking for things. Because they're still under 10 they think camping is fantastic so next weekend we are going away . . camping in a friends garden. They are so excited!!

Good luck with yours, the original SOA still gives me nightmares! But make your OH see it then they know it can't carry on like that.

elly-spendaholic

Hi, we were in it together from the start..I am usually the one who budgets well, but I'm a bit of a pushover and was always easily convinced that we needed the new 3D TV, car etc! My OH still tries even though he knows what debt we're in, but I'm a lot stronger now as most of the debt is in my name so I'm more determined to get it cleared. My OH just buries his head a little lol

andymc29

Sounds like you need to say something to him along the lines of

"I know you feel like you need to be the provider, and I really like that in you. But with that comes the responsibility of looking at how that money is being spent. I am not your accountant, we are a couple, and should deal with these things together, you need to sit down with me for twenty minutes to look at what we have going out and discuss with me what we are going to do about it, I ask you to do this as my loving husband and responsible adult".

He really won't have anything to say back against that, and if he does, then it's a marriage problem you have, not a money one.

God, you can tell I've been listening to Dave Ramsey podcasts a lot lately can't you?