How to get DH frugal?

[emmiedahl]

You can't change a spouse, and it's unfair to everyone involved to even try.

If I were you, I would separate the money into three accounts: one for each of you and one combined household account. The household account is for food, rent, bills, and physical necessities. Leftover money gets split between you two and put into your own accounts. Then, you can save away and he can spend without jeopardizing the roof over your heads. Another, less complicated option is to take out what you WOULD spend in cash, then squirrel away the difference. Not too honest, but it might be necessary depending on the climate of your marriage. So, if you are going grocery shopping and you normally would spend $100, take out that $100. When you actually spend $60 because you are such a fabulous shopper, you have the other $40 in your hand.

Eventually, most men come around. They want cars, nice homes, retirement, etc, just as much as you do. I would talk a lot about what you do to save money and how important it is to you that you have security, paid-off credit cards, etc. Eventually he will catch on.