Hi there,<p>I'm new to the board....but could definitely use some help. My wife and I have been married for just over 2 years, and we are still in our 20's. She was raised in a very "giving" home, where she got anything she wanted. I was raised in a similar fashion, but only I had started caring for money from a young age.<p>I would put my paycheck in a savings account, while she would get new shoes.<p>We make "okay" money, but our bills are huge, so there isn't a lot left over after pay day. She recently "decided" that we need a maid every 2 weeks. I tried to reason with her and suggested once a month (which I think is a waste anyhow)...but she is just hard core set on twice a week.<p>It's little things like this that are trashing our marriage already. There is no talking to her. Does anyone at all have anything similar? Need major help, and SOON! Thanks!

First, I recommend you read the section on Policy of Joint Agreement. <p>Second, I suggest you discuss with her what she is wiling to give up in return for the expense of the maid. Maybe pack her lunch? Maybe no new shoes for a while? Maybe no eating out. maybe she pays for it out of 'her' spending money. The sad thing is that if you are barely making it now, what happens when an emergency car repair, appliance replacement, illness strikes? Even with insurance, medication/dr visits can get expensive.<p>[ February 27, 2002: Message edited by: diddallas ]</p>