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Need Advice

JanuaryMrs Posted:

Need Advice

I'm actually a regular poster but have am anonymous for this post for obvious reasons.
Since being married, DH and I have had some really hard conversations and some really hard fights.....over money.
I know that money is not something that should ruin a marraige, but we have such different attitutes toward it....its very stressful and I just don't know how to handle it. Its destroying our marraige.
Its not a day to day issue....we both have similar spending habits; however he never thinks about the future, while I am obsessed with it. At almost 40 years old, he has no 401K, no life insurance.... while I, in my early 30s strongly believe in it and have been contributing toward it for years.
In the background that I come from, it is both the husband and wife that take control of the families finances, together. However, there is always an overwhelming feeling that the man takes care of the family. I know that today is 2007, and it is both spouses responsibility,,,,,but as conversations go for having children, the idea of my continuing to me the main breadwinner, without him taking over, with no thought of our future down the line is really eating away. I have tried to broach the topic, but it always ends in a horrible fight.
It just happened tonight and he stormed out of the house while venting to one of his friends.
Some very nasty words were exchanged.
I don't know what is the bigger issue....the money, or all of the fights, and horrible things that are said during the fights, all which are precipitated by the topic of our finances.

I know that you are probably thinking that we should have discussed this before marraige....and we did. However, the actual act of being married and going through a day to day life is much different than the list of questions one goes through when their blissfully engaged.
I don't know if any of you even have any advice.......but thanks for letting me vent.

Jen2999 Posted:

Re: Need Advice

I think that if you are that upset about it, you should try to bring up the issue when you are NOT fighting about it and just sort out everything. Come to an agreement on how you will save and put it into action asap. He has to understand your point of view and try to meet you half way.

Good luck and many
LBride Posted:

Re: Need Advice

What are his reasons for not having a 401K?

JanuaryMrs Posted:

Re: Need Advice


Posted by LBride

What are his reasons for not having a 401K?



His work does not offer it. However, I know from experience, that there are other ways of contributing to your future.....regular deposits into funds, Ira's, etc. He says that he would much rather spend the money now, and enjoy life now, then put it away for when he is an 'old man'

I can't disagree more......I agree that one should live for the present, but also be responsible about the future.

I also feel resentful that the onus is on me to do this, since it is important to me. Why should I be doing this alone?

I think this is more information than you asked for......
lacey&mark Posted:

Re: Need Advice

perhaps if you both met with a financial advisor to help get him see the importance in saving for the future. if a third party is present he may be les likely to argue.

i am sorry you are going through this!
jtgarsik Posted:

Re: Need Advice


Posted by JanuaryMrs


Posted by LBride

What are his reasons for not having a 401K?



His work does not offer it. However, I know from experience, that there are other ways of contributing to your future.....regular deposits into funds, Ira's, etc. He says that he would much rather spend the money now, and enjoy life now, then put it away for when he is an 'old man'

I can't disagree more......I agree that one should live for the present, but also be responsible about the future.

I also feel resentful that the onus is on me to do this, since it is important to me. Why should I be doing this alone?

I think this is more information than you asked for......



I am so sorry you are going through all this. You either need to have a nice calm conversation with him and tell him everything you are telling us, OR u can non-challontly say how u'd like to meet with a reputable financial advisor, because you DO have different views, and would like to meet somewhere in the middle...he can't argue with that! i couldn't agree with you more that YES! THE FUTURE IS ABSOLUTELY IMPORTANT AND DOES REQUIRE SOME SORT OF A PLAN!!!! i wish u all the best and hope this gets all figured out.
kflan75 Posted:

Re: Need Advice


Posted by lacey&mark

perhaps if you both met with a financial advisor to help get him see the importance in saving for the future. if a third party is present he may be les likely to argue.

i am sorry you are going through this!



I agree--- maybe you too could do some sort of research into it and suggest it to him.

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