Stress of finances is killing me

  • Thread starter Thread starter PA2NCCatholic
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
Interesting that you go right to the “woman with spending problems” card several times…
YES - -LOL.
I have been that woman!! I guess I shouldn’t make all other wives guilty until proven that way…

Why does this guy have a house payment he can’t afford, property taxes he can’t afford, etc? Seriously, he can’t change all this by himself.
 
Yes decent was a bad choice of words. There is nothing wrong with taking help from family or the government if you qualify for it. Please don’t think I think otherwise. I would very much be on government assistance programs if my husband dies first.

Hmm…I don’t know what word to replace it with. He truly thinks he’s taking from others who need it more.

But there is no indecency in receiving needed assistance. Decent was truly a bad choice of words. Sorry! 😊
No problem!

But in the united states we do not run “welfare” programs by giving to say, your family, and then not giving to someone that deserves more. The fact of the matter is someone who deserves it “less” will take it anyway. Though I politically disagree with our “welfare state” one thing you are mistaken about is the idea that taking assistance deprives others who need it more. I’m not saying that there is a bottomless well here only that we have not reached the bottom yet.

With your problems, with your history that you have shared, with your mental stresses right now why on earth would you not do this!?

If not you, then who?
 
YES - -LOL.
I have been that woman!! I guess I shouldn’t make all other wives guilty until proven that way…

Why does this guy have a house payment he can’t afford, property taxes he can’t afford, etc? Seriously, he can’t change all this by himself.
Maybe it’s for safety?

We live in one of the most dangerous cities in America. Has beat Detroit before and now continually ranks in the top five. Gun crimes, gangs, murders galore, the big stuff. After I was followed home by a guy I didn’t know, we knew we had to move whatever it took. We can’t afford the down-payments to get a house, but we do invest a couple hundred extra a month to live where it is realively safer (if anywhere in this city is really safe :rolleyes:.). There’s really not always an easy answer to these questions. That’s why Dave never worked for us.
 
YES - -LOL.
I have been that woman!! I guess I shouldn’t make all other wives guilty until proven that way…

Why does this guy have a house payment he can’t afford, property taxes he can’t afford, etc? Seriously, he can’t change all this by himself.
The impression I got, and certainly the op needs to clarify us that HE is the irresponsible one. He states that. The only thing he states about his wife is that she blames him for some things. So I’d imagine she is not the problem here. I’m pretty sure she Would be on board with not shopping at nordstroms if she knew the house might be gone when she got back…

I doubt the problem is her, but even if it was she is not posting, the op is. And the info he has given is that he is the one failing.
 
YES - -LOL.
I have been that woman!! I guess I shouldn’t make all other wives guilty until proven that way…

Why does this guy have a house payment he can’t afford, property taxes he can’t afford, etc? Seriously, he can’t change all this by himself.
No problem!

But in the united states we do not run “welfare” programs by giving to say, your family, and then not giving to someone that deserves more. The fact of the matter is someone who deserves it “less” will take it anyway. Though I politically disagree with our “welfare state” one thing you are mistaken about is the idea that taking assistance deprives others who need it more. I’m not saying that there is a bottomless well here only that we have not reached the bottom yet.

With your problems, with your history that you have shared, with your mental stresses right now why on earth would you not do this!?

If not you, then who?
I’ve tried, but he’s adamant. He won’t do it. He did say that if he becomes long-term sick or disabled himself he would apply, at least for myself and my needs. So there’s that at least. This is just one of the battles I let go. We do receive some assistance from family when things are extra bad. But that’s the extent of what he’s comfortable doing.
 
A few years into our marriage my husband shared with me that he was having trouble paying the bills. Since I had a job, I had some credit resources including a credit card with a zero balance that offered a very low fixed rate for the life of the loan. I put $10,000 on that card and gave it to my husband. A few months later, my husband again said to me that he was having trouble paying the bills. This time I said to him, “Well, what are we talking about?”

My husband, who felt terrible about the situation was very defensive, and he communicated angrily towards me. I responded that I wanted to help, but I needed to know the scope of the problem - How much do we owe? What are the payments? What interest rates are we paying?There was a lot of drama because my husband felt a lot like you do. Finally, he did a spreadsheet for me, and I have to say that it was shocking - especially the interest rates that he was paying on the credit cards in his name.

Ultimately, we were able to get out of debt by working together to restructure our debt and by beginning an austerity program. Since that time, we have paid our credit cards in full every month.

There are two points that I want to make:
  1. In marriage communication and team work are essential for financial viability - and for success in most other areas of marriage as well.
  2. Sometimes communication is very difficult - especially if one person feels bad about a situation, feels responsible, feels like a failure and needs help. But as hard as it is, you have to start the conversation. You should ask for your wife’s help because you will get through this only if you work together.
In the years since those financial struggles we have done very well through good times and through lean times because of the lessons that we learned about finances and about each other during that hardship.
 
Maybe it’s for safety?

We live in one of the most dangerous cities in America. Has beat Detroit before and now continually ranks in the top five. Gun crimes, gangs, murders galore, the big stuff. After I was followed home by a guy I didn’t know, we knew we had to move whatever it took. We can’t afford the down-payments to get a house, but we do invest a couple hundred extra a month to live where it is realively safer (if anywhere in this city is really safe :rolleyes:.). There’s really not always an easy answer to these questions. That’s why Dave never worked for us.
I’ve never lived in Detroit. I have lived a little south west of there in Indiana. I know the sheer hopelessness that the rust belt feels. Many in this country don’t know how bad it is. There are places you would not believe would exist in a first world country. And I know about the crime. Chicagoland is someplace you never want to stop your minivan filled with kids in. There are so many factors in that area of the country that others don’t understand. Race is the elephant in the room. Poverty, crime, poor access to care or programs.

One thing I learned doing my time out there is that people perhaps are not aware that there are places that are not like that. There really is a land of milk and honey west of the Mississippi.
I’m not saying there is no poverty in salt lake, Denver, Portland, Seattle, Boise etc. but I am saying you can sit on a curb in white pants without worrying about standing back up. 😉
I know jobs and family tend to keep people where they are at but sometimes o wonder at what cost. Especially in Detroit. Certainly not now, you have so much going on, but maybe a little " go west young man" should be on your horizon. Just not Cali, the Detroit of the west coast!

One bad thing about the west, particularly the northwest. Is the church is still in “mission” mode. Good Catholic parishes are hard to come by. ( they do exist). But there is not the historical Catholic culture like in the east and Midwest.
 
I’ve tried, but he’s adamant. He won’t do it. He did say that if he becomes long-term sick or disabled himself he would apply, at least for myself and my needs. So there’s that at least. This is just one of the battles I let go. We do receive some assistance from family when things are extra bad. But that’s the extent of what he’s comfortable doing.
You sound like you are handeling it like a perfect spouse. Certainly not everything is worth going to war over! Your view sounds gentle and kind to the man you love even though you may not agree. That is the best thing ever.
 
Not here to bash Dave Ramsey, but I much prefer Phil Lenehan. His program was very easy, similar but with a Catholic flavor. I enjoyed his workbook, he even gives several budget examples according to income.

Years ago I read an excellent book called Financially Challenged by Wilson Humber. books.google.com/books/about/The_Financially_Challenged.html?id=YWFCEo69n4gC&hl=en Not a catholic author. I did have to skip over some Christian legalism to work with it. But still some very good advice.

One of my very favorites was called ‘Your like well spent’ focusing on your posterity more than prosperity.
amazon.com/Your-Life-Well-Spent-Investing/dp/0736946241/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1466623781&sr=8-1&keywords=Your+life+well+spent

Also, as far as Saints go, St. Joseph, the Holy Infant of Prague ( so cute ), Our Lady, John Bosco, St Theresa Avila, Fr. Solanus Casey and the Seraphic Mass Association, and Padre Pio. I ask them all, and you will be in my prayers today!
 
I’m posting just to try to relieve some stress and because I can’t really talk to anybody. My financial obligations just feel crushing and I don’t know how I will ever get out of this hole.

I have a stay-at-home wife and two young children that rely on me. I cannot afford my house, my property taxes, credit cards, medical debt. I owe several years of taxes. I feel that I never should have gotten married because I am not organized/mature/secure enough that anybody should be relying on me. I was reluctant to get married for this reason, and I was correct in my assessment.

My marriage isn’t exactly the best and my wife blames me for our problems so I can’t exactly confide in her. My family has done so much for me and I do not want to ask for more help. Any words of advice? Any saint to whom you suggest I pray?
One day at a time. Sometimes only one second at a time. It doesn’t matter if you were ready and mature enough now or then. The fact is you have children and you must mature now and do it quickly.

Make a list of the “things” that are important to you.
Make a list of the people who are most important to you.

Analyze what is the most important.

Watching the news versus reading to your children.
Being right versus saying “I am sorry”.
Smiling at your family versus frowning
Saying “I love you” versus “I wish I were not here”.
Escaping from your family versus interacting with your family.
Saying “I will” versus “I can’t”
Saying “Pity poor me” versus “I love a challenge.”

By learning what is most value to you, you can gradually rid your self of the “things” that are costing you money and bringing you to financial straits.

Children think they want things but what they really really want from their father is his love. Look for the inexpensive activities for your kids. Read to them. Take them to the library. Take them to the park. Even if you only have 30 minutes a day to love them - give them that 30 minutes (even if that means not watching some silly TV show).

As far as your finances go. Seek help from a financial advisor and listen to him or her.
 
I’ve never lived in Detroit. I have lived a little south west of there in Indiana. I know the sheer hopelessness that the rust belt feels. Many in this country don’t know how bad it is. There are places you would not believe would exist in a first world country. And I know about the crime. Chicagoland is someplace you never want to stop your minivan filled with kids in. There are so many factors in that area of the country that others don’t understand. Race is the elephant in the room. Poverty, crime, poor access to care or programs.

One thing I learned doing my time out there is that people perhaps are not aware that there are places that are not like that. There really is a land of milk and honey west of the Mississippi.
I’m not saying there is no poverty in salt lake, Denver, Portland, Seattle, Boise etc. but I am saying you can sit on a curb in white pants without worrying about standing back up. 😉
I know jobs and family tend to keep people where they are at but sometimes o wonder at what cost. Especially in Detroit. Certainly not now, you have so much going on, but maybe a little " go west young man" should be on your horizon. Just not Cali, the Detroit of the west coast!

One bad thing about the west, particularly the northwest. Is the church is still in “mission” mode. Good Catholic parishes are hard to come by. ( they do exist). But there is not the historical Catholic culture like in the east and Midwest.
We live in Memphis. It is crazy poor in places. We look like millionaires in comparison. And the government here is oblivious. It’s corrupt and it says it will help but it doesn’t. Memphis schools got disowned by the city of Memphis. They just up and gave up. And left a royal mess. It just gets worse and worse. Where we live is being taken over by those trying to flee the city, many cause of life threatening crime, others cause of the school failure. Our housing and apartment rents are going through the roof. We don’t know if we can continue living here. We may have to return to the city. Which will only get more corrupt and dangerous as the wave of city fleeing persons continues our way. There is no where else to go. We are landlocked because of the river. It’s just really a nightmare for all.
 
A few thoughts:
  1. Now is not the time to characterize yourself as disorganized, immature, and insecure. You can learn to be better in all three areas–do it. There are lots of organizational systems and tips online; pick one and stick with it. Think of yourself as responsible and capable, and act accordingly; easier said than done, I know, but absolutely possible. Sometimes when I feel the kids are driving me nuts I adopt a “persona” of Super Mom who is calm, cool, and totally in control, and it helps me to act better than I’m feeling. When I was working outside the home, I did the same thing with my organizational skills, and while using ridiculous numbers of notes and reminders was able to improve my organization quite a bit.
  2. Maybe reconsider “I can’t confide in my wife”? Not to say that you should be presenting a doom-and-gloom picture, but as a stay-at-home-mom myself I really appreciate my husband keeping me in the financial loop. Remember, even if your marriage is in a rocky spot, you and your wife are on the same team. If anything, it may decrease her frustration with you if you two develop a financial plan together, allowing her to participate in the process of digging yourselves out. This situation is a challenge–one that is all too common, unfortunately–but many other families have been able to face that challenge and reestablish themselves. Again, do not present this as “I’m such a screwup and failure; we’re going under because I can’t make ends meet,” but as "Here are our challenges. Here are some options to explore to better our situation. I would really appreciate your take on this so that we work this out together."
  3. It costs money, but I have heard that a good financial planner is well worth it for couples in debt. The planner can assess your situation and offer dispassionate, professional advice.
Good luck. Money can be so stressful, and put a strain on even an excellent relationship! Hang in there.
Yes. Your wife can’t help you unless she knows what is going on. Make sure she understands the situation. Also, as HD mentioned earlier, Dave Ramsey.
 
A virtue of DR is that it’s easy to find Financial Peace University taught all over.

I have never encountered a Catholic personal finance class taught locally, although I suppose it must exist.
Not here to bash Dave Ramsey, but I much prefer Phil Lenehan. His program was very easy, similar but with a Catholic flavor. I enjoyed his workbook, he even gives several budget examples according to income.

Years ago I read an excellent book called Financially Challenged by Wilson Humber. books.google.com/books/about/The_Financially_Challenged.html?id=YWFCEo69n4gC&hl=en Not a catholic author. I did have to skip over some Christian legalism to work with it. But still some very good advice.

One of my very favorites was called ‘Your like well spent’ focusing on your posterity more than prosperity.
amazon.com/Your-Life-Well-Spent-Investing/dp/0736946241/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1466623781&sr=8-1&keywords=Your+life+well+spent

Also, as far as Saints go, St. Joseph, the Holy Infant of Prague ( so cute ), Our Lady, John Bosco, St Theresa Avila, Fr. Solanus Casey and the Seraphic Mass Association, and Padre Pio. I ask them all, and you will be in my prayers today!
 
One of the threads here has a bunch of links to Dave Ramsey.

Just check them out.

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=1007903

A few minutes ago, I visited the “search” function here at Catholic Answers Forums.

And to make it “easy” for me to find the thread, I just did a search for Dave Ramsey.

THERE ARE DOZENS OF THREADS THAT REFER TO DAVE RAMSEY.

So, do a search for Dave Ramsey.

He’s not Catholic, but his advice is down to earth and common sense.
 
How about St. Augustine and Padre Pio?:knight2:

You can read their very words to you in these books from Direction For Our Times. These books have an IMPRIMATUR - you can’t do much better than that! They are simply written to help us all in these stressful modern times:

Jesus, St. Augustine, and the Blessed Mother in: .** “Heaven Speaks To Those Who Suffer From Financial Need”**

Jesus, Padre Pio, and the Blessed Mother in: "Heaven Speaks About Stress".

and also when stress gets real bad:
Jesus, St. Dymphna, St. Paul, and the Blessed Mother in: "Heaven Speaks About Depression".
 
I was wondering how you all are doing with the money management thing.

I was surfing and found this short video with Dave Ramsey.

Here he is discoursing on how people are mismanaging their choices when financing car “acquisitions”. Specifically, leasing.

youtube.com/watch?v=3QTrTe1SAw8

Along the edge of the screen are additional Dave Ramsey brief videos on personal financial management.

Stress management is helpful, as well.

However, it is important to get the money under control.

Some people don’t like Mr. Ramsey.

But his advice has been helpful to many.
 
I was wondering how you all are doing with the money management thing.

I was surfing and found this short video with Dave Ramsey.

Here he is discoursing on how people are mismanaging their choices when financing car “acquisitions”. Specifically, leasing.

youtube.com/watch?v=3QTrTe1SAw8

Along the edge of the screen are additional Dave Ramsey brief videos on personal financial management.

Stress management is helpful, as well.

However, it is important to get the money under control.

Some people don’t like Mr. Ramsey.

But his advice has been helpful to many.
 
First of all you MUST confide in your wife. You, she and God need to work together to get you out of this and you can’t do it with her “out of the loop”. There’s no simple answer to this but it does boil down to a simple equation: Expenditures cannot exceed income long-term. This is going to take a lot of work but it can be done. First you need to work with the tax people. If it’s IRS, they can put you in prison so you must work with them. I’d rather go through a mouth full of root canals than deal with them but it must be done to avoid the worst case scenario. Next priority should be saving the house. Work with the bank. If you show that you are actively working to resolve the situation they will be less likely to drop the hammer on you. Last priority should be the credit cards but don’t ignore them.

As I said earlier it is a matter of expenses not exceeding income. You can try to make more money but remember that there is no income so large that it cannot be outspent. Prayerfully examine ALL spending. Sacrifice. You can do this but you will be totally re-arranging your life.
 
I’m a stay at home wife & mom, and my busy-overly-stressed husband simply said to me something like: “…dealing with the finances is your job. I don’t have time for it. You do the budget, and I’ll follow, but I want this much into savings…” .
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top