snowie Ive stayed away from Halloween - we do it big, more decs than xmas, ive added to these each year. Well not this year Im making do and we are not hosting two parties like I did before: one for the littlies and one for DS. Well we've been invited out t our friends. I've resist taking them to local halloween events but have seen things that I'll be happier to pay for when we have more money next year. (we are going away for xmas with stuff booked for that so I soothe my non spending angst by telling myself they have plenty coming their way...)
badvoc we've always planned gifts for each other an normally put a cap on them as we busy paying for nights out, kids presents etc. I think it's quite practical. We agree we have splurges at other times. I think you London trip sounds lovely - its good for the kids too (did you read the well rounded thread!)
nerf its reassuring to see someone tackling the sames amoutns as what we are - it just seem undoable at times, or we've done a little then slip back. its the latter thats hard not letting yourself slip back.
TIP what are you getting upto in NYC - wow, arent you visiting family? IMO a lot of TIPS posts that are about specific things are in the same vain as the intentioanlality of minimalism - thes essay read more generic though. The link to Joshuas blog becommingminimalist is easier to relate to as they are a family whereas theminimalists are seemingly single guys I think.
welcome no cuts and hearmy - no shame you are facing it all and doing something about it by at least talking here and beginning to change attitudes.
My DH - I'd say we are pretty much the same re spending. He has a thing about making sure thing are paid and on time but doesnt seem to think about long term planning - ie how long on mortgage, pensions etc. He does work his butt off and is happy to look over a budget ive mastered and agree. e then does the transfers etc. If he thinks a large household purchase is wrongly prioritised he'll say. We try to keep each other in check re incidental spending.
BUT we have history..we did nearly get divorced. One thing that came up that I exploded about was his mismanagement of credit cards. We had a lot to work on in our relationship and we did recover. We are very happy - two people who are ver well matched but chucked to 'rule' book out for a while. Well we re-wrote the rule book - we agreed new roles in terms of work/house/parent stuff. Part of my role is to do the budget - Im better at planning it all and have time to suss out deals on MSE, Clubcard points etc He has maxed his earning potential almost. I dont think it it a problem if one person is better at doing the finances etc BUT you still need the other person to agree or have some input and respect what is in place
kinky go you with chazza bags .....We are positively hemmed in at the m inure, so bad I cant have handyman round until Ive tidied and cleaned. Well half term has started well - DD up at 5am wanting all sorts, cried when DH went to work, cried when Mc Donalds (school holiday tradition in PJs thru drive thru) didnt serve chips for breakfast. She has been asleep since 10am we are all knackered. Gonna try park later.