Husbands are funny creatures

**Royal** · 09-16-2007, 05:26 PM

Husbands are funny creatures. I have been on the frugal train for a few months now and driving my husband a little nuts(I think) with all my money and budget talks. But I didn't think that I really got through to him. He says leaving on extra lights or taking long showers only costs a little extra. He doesn't want to sweat the small stuff. So I have been trying to get him to change his attitude about this.
Anyways, fridag night after work he went out with his brother. They were going to grab a bite to eat at a restaurant and go to some classical music concert afterwards. We NEVER eat out so I(we) were ok with this rare occasion that he was going to eat elsewhere. So anyway he came home late that evening and saturday morning I asked him if he had a good meal. And he said that that they went to McDonalds and he only order a hamburger (1 euro) because that was nice and cheap! Huh?!

I guess he's starting to learn! (I am kinda proud of him)

How about your husbands/boyfriends?

**Jaded** · 09-16-2007, 06:21 PM

OR he could be lying, so as not to get a lecture from you. LOL

**missyali** · 09-16-2007, 06:27 PM

My husband is really starting to come around. However, he has always been thrifty and any tendency not to be has been as a result of my rubbing off on him. He's reminding me of this a lot these days. I tell him I have to learn things for myself...

**jlaporte** · 09-16-2007, 08:15 PM

my husband has learned my frugal ways. in fact he often talks to people at work about it. he gets happy when he gets a deal on something now because of what i have taught him.he also likes to "shop" at our house for things he needs.he jokingly says i am going to the store in our closet.the other day he asked if we had deoderant and then rolled his eyes and said stupid question...

**Neeley** · 09-16-2007, 08:31 PM

My DH is actually better at this stuff than I am. I will water my yard for 8 hours a day and leave every light in the house on. He is the one who turns off the lights and asks me to cut back a bit on watering the grass (I ran up the water bill to close to $300 a month or so ago).

I guess it is one of the advantages to being married to a CPA. He likes to watch his money grow whereas I like to spend it.

**itsahumanzoo** · 09-16-2007, 08:36 PM

My husband is actually glad I jumped on the frugal train, but I don't think he fully gets it. I do most of the work, budget wise, and he's just kind of there. Sometimes he doesn't see that little things like him going out to lunch during the week really do add up. I'm still trying to get that through his thick head!

**Nada.Leona** · 09-16-2007, 10:04 PM

was totally not into the whole budgetting/frugal thing at first either. He didn't want to hang dry his clothes, use the same towel, eat anything that wasn't "the best" cut/make/type/etc., didn't like my rustic make-do cooking, etc.

Now, though, he gets really into the whole budgetting groceries thing, and taking into consideration a lot of our expenses, like walking instead of driving, budgetting for our phone bills, etc.

**mikandmari** · 09-16-2007, 11:48 PM

My husband is very in to being frugal. We have the same financial goals, and he sees that the little things will add up... so that someday we can reach our goals.

It did take a little doing to make him understand that it is actually a better investment to have me just work part-time and have time to spend being thrifty at home, than for me to work full-time and shell out more money to the IRS and on convenience items, etc...

**mea772** · 09-17-2007, 07:16 AM

My DH has always been the one who gets frustrated if we leave the lights on, etc. I always felt...it is only a few cents to keep them on. But, boy have I seen the light (pun intended LOL)

He is always thinking about ways to save gas in the vehicles and such and I am thinking of ways to save money on groceries, etc. We are doing great in these areas and always wanting to learn more ways!

**baxjul** · 09-17-2007, 07:59 AM

I always have to work my way around so that it seems like dh's idea! I've learned to be really good at that.

**Royal** · 09-17-2007, 08:25 AM

Hi Baxjul, That is funny! Does it work?

**PrairieRose** · 09-17-2007, 08:36 AM

Gripey is a frugal convert who is really into the lifestyle now. There are things he does not like to compromise on but for the most part he's happy to be frugal. I'm thrilled.

**Siebrie** · 09-19-2007, 03:35 PM

First: my fiance is from Africa (this will help you understand the story).

His sister lives in our town and has bought a completely new living and dining room interior from a post order company, on credit. She pays them each month and occasionally asks my fiance to lend her some money (which she never pays back - the money is still in the family, right?). I do not mind what he does with his own money, but I did explain to him that buying on credit means that it may SOUND very cheap to pay € 5 per month for 3 years for a chair, but that with the interest, you probably paid 150% for that chair. And with 4 chairs, 2 tables, 2 sofas and the wide screen tv (and goodness knows what else) it comes to quite a large amount every month.

Next, on a visit to friends, I hear him say 'We don't buy on credit', and explaining the system to these friends. Great! I am SOOOO glad we think alike on this subject!

**Jskell911** · 09-19-2007, 08:12 PM

DH is actually extremely frugal. It's just in his nature. He is also not driven by impulse as I often can be. He actually roots me to this frugal way.