[Miracle1986]

This could technically go in the R&C form since it is about my husband, but I think it is more about depression.

I feel like, when I married my husband I went from riches to rags.

When I was growing up, we were not rich by any stretch of the imagination,
but we never had to worry about where our next meal was coming from or how
we were gonna pay the bills. Since I got married, it feels like that is all I think about.
I am constantly worried if we are gonna have money to buy groceries this month,
or if we are gonna be forced to move out of our house because we have no money to pay rent.

I am surprised I don't have ulcers with all the worrying I do.
It is no wonder I don't sleep at night or have any engery during the day.

[shezbut]

((Miracle1986))

My life has been similar, financially. In retrospect and with a little wisdon, I've grown to understand that my perspective was much different as a child. My parents worried about money a lot. We didn't have very much at all. But, somehow, things were taken care of ~ because my parents found ways to make ends meet.

In adulthood, I'm a lot more aware of what's coming in and going out. It's my responsibility to make sure bills are paid, or suffer the consequences when they aren't. These are tough financial times for the majority of people out there, so we have to watch our pennies even closer than before. Not fun ~ but it is reality.

I'm not saying that times aren't especially tight for you now. Just want you to understand that your experience isn't unusual and doesn't necessarily mean that you and your hub are having major problems. You should be able to discuss your concerns with your hub, but keep in mind that people have different ways of dealing with finances. The better you and your husband are at communicating about these worries, the better you'll feel. Just don't harp on the subject continuously to him ~ as that quickly becomes a major resentment.

Best wishes!

You have been through a lot, Miracle. Paying close attention to your finances is prudent. Constantly worrying about something that may never happen is exhausting and unhealthy. I know, easy for me to say. Perhaps, however, you may feel some better if you worried less about things that may occur in the future; but may not too.

Good luck.

[lynn P.]

We're small business owners, so we're prone to the ups and downs of the economy. We live in a very nice house in a good neighborhood and things were very good financially up until 3 yrs ago when the economy went down. I know that feeling of not having enough money and even at the cashier, having to put things back. Two years ago I decided to shop at the lower end bargain stores for groceries. Everything is the same quality, in fact the produce is fresher. I like these mini pecan butter tarts - the exact same product at the higher end store is$6.00 and at the lower end store it's $2.99. I save at least a $100 by shopping there. I bought my Xmas tree there for $20, compared to $50 anywhere else. I also bargained for things like my phone, internet, insurance payments by threatening to switch companies. Also be aware of everything you buy for 2 months - write every penny spent and ask yourself when purchasing something - do I really need this? I don't buy take out except for emergecies and I make my own pizza compared to buying one for $20. All of the this bargaining has really saved me alot of money and so far we're hanging onto our house. I wanted to share my money saving tips hoping they would help you or someone else.