When it comes to spending money, I don't seem to have too much trouble denying things for myself, but have much more difficulty in denying things to my wife or children. I can say, "We can't afford it" occasionally, but either guilt, frustration, or fatigue usually get to me eventually and I cave. For instance, I currently drive a 1995 Ford sedan with over 154,000 miles on it and no debt attached. My wife drives a much newer Honda CRV which she still owes about $5,000 on. She wants to get a larger vehicle. I suggested we wait until her car is paid off, a little over a year. She seemed ok with that, but I know the thought will come up again in a month or two. Each time I suggest holding off, I feel a bit more guilt.
When my oldest daughter was entering the sixth grade she took an entrance exam for a private school. She was accepted into the school. At the time she applied, I didn't know exactly how expensive the school was. Once I found out, I ran the numbers and told my wife that we really couldn't afford it. Obviously, I should have researched things more ahead of time. To make a long story short, my daughter graduated from the school last year. The cost to me for 7 years of middle and high school was over $70,000. Her mom and I have also been divorced for about 5 years now.
For some reason I can't seem to be happy if I spend money or if I don't spend money. Maybe it's my Catholic upbringing to have to feel guilty or I'm not doing something right.
Financial Feelings
September 25th, 2007 at 11:16 pm
September 26th, 2007 at 04:53 am 1190778802
September 26th, 2007 at 03:18 pm 1190816311
And personally, i would be horrified to spend $70K on a private school when i really don't think the quality of the education is that much better, one reason being that as i understand, most private schools don't require teachers to be state-certified, as public schools do. (This subject has been discussed before on this forum.)
Anywy, i noticed this is your 1st post, so WELCOME to the forum. Hope you hang around.
October 4th, 2007 at 12:38 am 1191454708
Welcome to the board.