How do you handle financial decisions in your house?
When you and your spouse have different views on how to spend money how do you decide what to do? I have to say Nick’s purchase wasn’t without warning, he did talk with me about it before he made the decision. Although I think he was only asking out of politeness, he doesn’t actually take my opinion into consideration and that should count for something, right?
My opinion, of course, was that $650 is a lot of money to spend on a new cell phone and the truth is it could probably better spent. However that’s just me. I think it’s a lot of money to spend in one place and it could have probably been better spent, but techies around the world and Apple as a corporation probably disagree.
How often do you change your cell phone?
I know Apple has a lot of loyal fans who wait in line for hours every time a new iPhone or Apple product is released. I couldn’t imagine changing my cell phone every year or so just because a new model is released.
I don’t believe in upgrading technology, or anything for that matter, just because there’s a new one available. I believe in changing your items only when they’re broken. Everything from a cell phone to a TV should only be upgraded if it’s cracked, broken or malfunctioning and can’t be fixed. Is that just me?
If your cell phone is broken I would take the opportunity to get a better model, but I personally wouldn’t buy a new one just because there is a new option available. And what do you do with your old cell phone that is still in perfect, or close to perfect, condition? Well you could sell it.
Everyone can spend their money as they wish
That’s what I’ve learned from this whole situation. I’m not a fan of having the latest technology, but that doesn’t mean everyone else isn’t. If my boyfriend wants to spend his money on a new cell phone then he should do that.
Of course I think couples should discuss spending money when it comes to the household finances, but each person is free to spend their individual money however they wish. I have to realize it’s not how I would chose to spend my money, but it’s how Nick wants to spend his money and that’s his decision. That being said I love him but I don’t have to love how he spends his money.
Do you and your spouse have individual “fun money” in your relationship?
Kristina Tahnyak
Tahnya is a Certified Financial Planner and former Investment Advisor turned marketing and communications professional She holds a degree from Concordia University, is debt free and currently works in the field of digital marketing.
We definitely have fun money. There are plenty of things I buy that my wife thinks is a waste of money and there are tons of things she buys that I don’t understand why. By having fun money we still can reach our financial goals and indulge ourselves. Having fun money allows us to solve both.