We are both working to our goal of paying off our mortgage and living debt free!

We are mostly on the same page around here. I’ve always been the family CFO and we have excellent credit to show for it. I would like to be more out of debt though. Our problem is though that every time we start getting ahead we take one or two steps backward. Oh, and that pesky college tuition!

Over the last three years, though, we’ve come to a good middle ground. We allow for a couple small indulgences — the occasional movie out, for example — but mainly work at throwing toward debt anything we can from our limited income.

He’s really learned a lot about frugality, and sometimes he now thinks of things I wouldn’t have. It’s really quite wonderful!

A lot of this has to do with attitudes toward finance. He grew up with the idea that people always struggle financially, so you might as well enjoy money while you have it.

Once I showed him that there can be a light at the end of the tunnel, he was a lot more willing to jump on board. There are still times when I have to talk him out of a purchase. But they’re a lot fewer and farther between.

There are two sides to the financial equation. 1. Spend less, and 2. Earn more. My husband has no interest in spending less, he just wants to focus on the other half – the earning. I have been completely unsuccessful in convincing him that reducing our spending would go a long way in creating the margin we need, and to get out of debt.

I do what I can for both sides of that coin. I help with the family business, I do freelance work, as well as wearing the stay at home mom hat. And I also watch what I spend. I don’t make unnecessary purchases, I use coupons, I don’t spend money on myself, etc.

This only goes so far though. My husband prefers to spend. He eats out all the time, he insists on having very expensive satallite TV packages, he buys unnecessary things like DVDs. He is also pretty convinced that he has a handle on money. Reading a book like a Dave Ramsey or something like that is so out of the question for him it’s not even funny.

I don’t have a clue how to move past this financial brick wall. I am very thankful that he is willing to work hard and try to increase his income. His go get em attitude is a force to be reckoned with.

I just wish we had more balance, and more agreement in our finances.

We have accomplished an incredible amount in just 6 short months and are happier than ever with our financial future. We have been married for just over 4 years now and are just now trying for children… I’m really looking forward to a few little buggers running around the house!!

Great article, this topic seems to be buzzing in the PF community. Just a few days ago I wrote about the quiet existence of money anxiety in relationships & the devastating effect it can have if left undetected.

I’ve found that most store brand items cost less than the national brand with a coupon. Not all store brands are created equal, and when you must have the national brand version, coupons are great.

As for your grocery savings, $87 is nothing to be ashamed of– just remember there are people throwing that money away paying full price . . .