I have a whole chapter in my book, The Sweet Life, about how to deal money because money, or lack of it, can cause a lot of stress in a marriage. Now, I don’t give any advice on how to invest your hard-earned cash. I just share ways to approach money on a day-to-day basis, things that have worked for Charlie and me. Some of it we’ve been doing since we got married, and some we had to learn the hard way. I want to save you some pain.
I’ve heard that rich people find it kind of tacky to talk about money, but for the rest of us, well, we gotta. I’m not saying you need to hash it out every morning, noon, and night, but you and your spouse need to be on the same page. Otherwise, it can be the one thing that does you in.
Top three things I tell folks about money:
1. When it comes to buying something big, always discuss it with your mate, sleep on it, and talk about it again in the morning; see if you still feel the same way.
2. Sit down and pay your bills together. This might sound like a drag, and I hear you. I’m pretty good with numbers and even moonlight doing books for Smitty’s Hardware and the Mahoosuc Mills Mainely Maine store. So, it would be easy for me to handle all the money stuff at our house. But we all know (or at least suspect) that the easiest course of action isn’t always the best. I mean, what happens when the person taking care of the finances gets sick or dies? That leaves the survivor in a bad situation. Not only do they have to deal with losing a spouse, but they have to get up to speed on the money end of things right quick. That’s just not fair to either of you. So, sit down and pay your bills together, then be sure to give each other a hug after.
3. Even with the tightest of budgets, I believe you each need a little fun money to spend without having to justify it to your spouse. We give kids an allowance, and you should have one, too. Let’s face it, there are times when that pumpkin latte is the only thing that’ll get you outta your funk. Guys, you want to get a Bud with the boys or drop by the Busy Bee for a Big Boy Bacon Burger (that’s the one they call The Other Woman, because it’s so bad for you, you have to sneak to have it). I know it would be hard explain to Charlie why I needed that new Tickle Me Pink nail polish, when I have three other pink nail polishes. But darn, Tickle Me Pink on my toes just perks me up to no end!
That’s it for now. Catch you on the flip side!
Hear Ida Tell It: Ida’s Money Tips
Upcoming Shows and Book Events: Summer
August 5: Ida’s Havin’ a Yard Sale!, Deertrees Theatre, http://www.deertrees-theatre.org/ 7:30pm, Harrison, ME
Ida has a new show!
September 8 & 9: Makin’ Whoopie!, ACT ONE Beyond Festival, http://actonenh.org/ Friday at 7:30pm and Saturday at 2:00pm & 7:30pm, Portsmouth, NH
September 15 & 16: Makin’ Whoopie!, ACT ONE Beyond Festival, http://actonenh.org/ Friday at 7:30pm and Saturday at 2:00pm, Portsmouth, NH
September 29 & 30: Makin’ Whoopie!, The Footlights Theatre, http://www.thefootlightsinfalmouth.com/ Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm, Falmouth, ME