Remember when I said dh might be coming around...

[Valerie in WA]

We are going to need to spend about $2000 to replace our heat pump. Within the next month. Dh & I were talking about how to pay for it. I told him the balances of the kitchen fund and EF (see my siggy). Basically, it's a drag to have to spend the $2000, but we can do it.

So then he said, "But did you save that money by taking away from the credit card payment?" So I got to explain.

In the last four months, I did reduce the credit card payment, but that reduction is only $1600 of the $4000 that I've saved. I was paying $800 per month to the credit card, and now pay $400. The minimum is $156. It's at 3.99% so the interest charge this month was only $27.

So that $400 has been going to the kitchen fund. Plus another $80 per month. Plus 'found' money and my overtime.

I have been putting $100 per month in the EF, plus the 'extra' paycheck that comes in a '3 paycheck month.' (I get paid every two weeks).

I am disappointed that I have to spend this money on the heat pump. But I am so thankful that I have it!!

And, more importantly, I think dh is seeing more clearly the value of me saying things like "No, we already ate out once this month. How about I make pizza?"

[forestdale]

I bet he's quietly noting all these small things that add up to a huge change in your lives. Good on you for doing it.

We had the same thing happen when our electric water heater broke down and had to be replaced a few months ago. We bought our solar hot water with money from our EF. We had to add more money to it, but the EF took the pain out of buying.

[PrairieRose]

Yep, that's just the way it happens, getting them to come around. We have to be so subtle and ease into to it. You're doing great. I'll bet he's got some food for thought for a few days. My bet is he starts asking a few more questions as time rolls on. Before long, you'll have him...hook, line and sinker!