The Frugal Husband

Does your husband support you in your frugal quest? Or vice/versa... Do you support him in his frugal quest? As you know financial disagreements are one of the major causes of domestic conflict.

My husband and I have set a limit on our Christmas presents to each other. When I got home from work earlier this week I had three presents under the tree, all wrapped up and ready for Christmas! Here is how they were wrapped:



I said, "But Honey, we have plenty of Christmas paper bought at after Christmas clearance sales!". He said, "I was being frugal!". I said, "Good job Honey!".

Luckily my husband and I are on the same page in this area. Why do we feel the need to be frugal? Because the future is so uncertain! Here are some reasons:

1. The American economy is not looking good;

2. Gas and food prices are pretty much doomed to go higher and higher as time goes on because of the shortage of gas. Nearly all of the American infrastructure is dependent on gas... Where would your food come from if a truck couldn't bring it to your store? How would you or your spouse get to work?

3. There could be economic collapse;

4. There could be a weather related crisis;

5. What if one of us became disabled?;

6. I don't even want to talk about terrorist related problems.

I don't mean to be a doomsday predictor, but we should be prepared for the future. It would be so much better to be out of debt and have some money put aside, if some kind of crisis occurred, either in your private life or in our country.

If your spouse is not supporting you in this area, here are some ideas taken from the Tightwad Gazette:

1. Accept the things you cannot change, and change the things you can.

2. Agree that purchases of over x-amount must be discussed.

3. Post your income and outgo in a place where it can be seen.

4. Take care of necessities first, before discretionary funds are distributed. (Needs before wants)

5. If you know a major expense is coming up, let them know well in advance there will be less discretionary funds available and ask for cooperation.

6. Explain that a savings account is not a discretionary fund and should be paid like a bill.

7. When there has been a spending binge do not retaliate with one of your own.

8. Be patient. You don't want to divorce over this!!!

9. Set a good example. If your spouse sees that you can buy a used item for a fraction of the cost of a new item that is just as good as the new item, he or she will begin to realize the advantages of being frugal.

Pray and remember to seek guidance from Scripture. I love to read about the Proverbs 31 Woman. It inspires me so much because I am far from having all the characteristics of a "Wife of Noble Character". This morning I re-read Proverbs 31 as I often do. This is the verse that stood out today:

Proverbs 31, verse 25: She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.