A few questions....and some help needed

**jzkitten** · 12-29-2005, 12:20 PM

On Jan 4th my DH will start a new job as an OTR truck driver.
Before it wasn't a problem as I was working full time then. Even though our income will be 3-4 times more than what we're getting now. We decided to take out the amount we're getting now for household expenses. With what's left he has to have an "allowance" for meals, showers, etc. each week. Then I want to start an EF, Christmas account and really get a few debts paid off. We have a plug in cooler for the truck, no microwave but does have a lunchbox type cooker and he doesn't like taking food into a truck stop to reheat. Before, on the last job before this, he would only be gone overnight and always brought back over halve of the food I sent. But I always wanted him to have a hot meal before he slept.

Now the questions...

1. Do I count the money he gets for meals and etc as part of my grocery money?

2. If anyone else has a truck driver husband, how much do you budget for each week?

3. For the no spend days,is this for us or the household? Cause he'll eat everyday!!
And I won't be able to participate.

He's willing to a point in helping get bills paid off but he's a spendthrift when it comes to money cause growing up he had very little. He's getting better than he was, but sometimes it's a struggle.

Any help and advice?? TIA

**homesteadmamma** · 12-29-2005, 05:33 PM

1. Do I count the money he gets for meals and etc as part of my grocery money? No I wouldn't. I'm sure he will be eating differently on the road than if he was at home.

2. If anyone else has a truck driver husband, how much do you budget for each week? Can't answer this one.

3. For the no spend days,is this for us or the household? Cause he'll eat everyday!! Don't count his expenses in the "no spend days".

Also, have you thought about allowances. If he had his own, he could use it for whatever he wants. It really helps when you have a spendthrift spouse. This allowance would not be for his truck driving expenses, just for fun for him to do what he wants with it.

**missmollymayhem** · 12-29-2005, 08:06 PM

I would definately discuss a food budget with him. Eating on the road can be expensive! Prehaps if he could figure out a comfortable amount to spend, stockpile a few favorites-chips, candy, soda- and buy the hot stuff and other odds and ends on the road? It may be a big change for you two, but I'm sure you can transition into it and will work something out. Good luck!

**jzkitten** · 12-29-2005, 08:12 PM

Thanks CJ. We're going to do the allowance thing.

But it's great that I can do the no spend challenge.

We just found out that his blood sugar was high so this will limit what I can send with him now. He usually eats at places that give him rewards for eating there, some you have to use the dollars in their restaurants and the other you can use on anything in the store. Thinking Christmas for that one.