First Steps to Solvency

strawb_shortcake

For us, the present from Father Christmas has always been something traditional, a wooden toy, puppets, we have given bikes but that's as expensive as we've gone and that was no more than £100. 
They've tried asking for a console for Christmas but we've responded with FC doesn't make them at his workshop so it has to be a gift from Mum and Dad. 
My children have always known when their friends say they get expensive gifts from FC it's actually from their parents.

Disney_Princess85

Wow no wonder you're fuming. I definitely agree with talking to your wife about it, a 7 year does not need a top of the range ipad. If she wants to waste that amount of money then she needs to be getting a job to be able to buy it herself, not expecting you to foot the bill for something she's bought on the sky.

amanda_p

I rarely post but have been following your diary with interest.
You have done so well and to see how your mindset is changing
has been a revelation.You have had some tough love given out but have taken it on board and are slowly moving forward.
I could weep for you regarding your wife's purchase. Your son is,I am sure a delightful little boy but should he be getting everything he wants when he wants? He will grow up not knowing the value of anything.It is one of life's skills to learn how to deal with disappointment even from an early age. I am sorry but a last minute gift that costs £750 is just unacceptable.
This year especially it just doesn't sit right.
How you managed to hold it together with your wife I just don't know. She obviously is quite happy for you to make mega cutbacks as along as they don't apply to her. As for keeping up materialism with school friends, that is really sad.
I don't know the answer but the whole scenario just leaves a nasty taste in the mouth.
Perhaps you could put it away for his birthday as a compromise?
Don't let this derail all your good intentions, you are doing so well, try to stay focused and have a strong chat with your wife when you feel the time is right.
Good luck with 2021.

Sun_Addict

I agree with the others, it’s too much to spend on a 7 year old, especially if you’ve already got him other presents. It was irresponsible of your wife to buy it knowing the current situation with finances but I suspect she’s fed up of the restrictions and it made her feel better momentarily.  It’s a tough one but it should go back really.  I can understand why you’re cross about it when you’ve been trying so hard. I hope you can come to a compromise without an argument.

theoretica

For the buying houses, yes you are spending a lot of money (and like doing so) but yes they are providing future income and security, equivalent of investing your pensions. It seems to me that the more she understands about that business the better and that yes you have a second job you enjoy, but it is a job none the less.  Not just a house buying hobby.

ohdearhowdidthathappen

I'm twitching at £750 for a 7 year old.... she could have got several models down.  If 7 year olds are comparing the exact model of ipad they have at school, then that's VERY sad and doesn't bode well for a few years time.  I would seriously look at taking her cards away and giving her a spending budget if she can't stick to your joint budget.
Santa only buys the stocking in our house and that has chocolate, an annual and some socks in it, plus silly things like slime or a bookmark etc.  The kids know we get the 'big' stuff..... less disappointment when they find out santa isn't real that way too

getmore4less

Just ask her where the cut back is coming from and how many months she wants to spread it over. 

FootyFanDan

I think an ipad (if he can look after it ) is not necessarily a bad thing in this day and age tech plays a huge part of lives but the fact its a £750 just seems to be a bit over the top it really does. She could have got a new lesser spec one for half the price which he would have been more than happy with. I love my apple stuff, and eventually when I get a newer Ipad - my current one is about 7/8 years old I will give the older Ipad to my daughter. She currently has an Amazon fire which she is more than content with.  Surely school kids aren't comparing models of ipad that would be crazy. I have no doubt its a cracking piece of kit but maybe could compromise on her taking that one back and getting a lesser spec model

RelievedSheff

I would just make her take it back. She bought something unnecessary that quite frankly at this time you can not afford. 

What else did she buy on this little spending spree?

astrocytic_kitten

I’m not justifying what she did in any way shape or form - it was totally out of order - but it follows a pretty classic pattern that just as you’re doing much much better, everything’s going in the right direction, and she’s starting to feel that you’re the man she married and she can rely on you again, your wife would all of a sudden fall apart and also fall off the bandwagon big time. Maybe this is stupidly optimistic, but I’m hoping tomorrow she’ll see sense.

I do think your reaction to it speaks very loudly about how far you’ve come and how well you’re doing, even compared to just a few weeks ago.