Growing up, I NEVER knew when my parents were going through a hard time financially...and I know there were a few years it was really bad...but somehow they kept it from us. I do remember a few strict conversations about turning the lights off because the electric bill was too high...but really that was all. I wish I could do that like my parents did...but I can't.
Tally is too much in the "know" about our situation I think. I hope we aren't stressing her out and we try not to. But every time she wants to go some where or buy some "treat," the lesson comes up. She doesn't want to hear "no." She would just rather buy it herself. She has some money and wants us to drive her places so she can spend it. We have 20 miles worth of gas in our car...meaning, we need to stay home til pay day tomorrow. She was so frustrated that we couldn't go to the mall for her to play and buy ice-cream. Instead, we had gone to a play place 1 mile away.
All too often, I find myself discussing with her Svend's pay day and how we allot our money so we make sure we don't run out. How we sacrifice somethings so we can have others. It's actually good for her. She has learned a lot about not just spending money whenever you want. Although last night, she really wanted to buy us an apple pie. Not sure where she came up with that one...but she was craving it and we didn't have the money for it. Good grief! She makes us sound like mooches on our own young children!! I told her she couldn't waste her money on that and we'd go get an apple pie after pay day.
Anyway... today my goal is to budget in an allowance for the kids. They've all been doing several jobs a day and just because I ask. I think it's time I finally pay them for their help and they can continue to use their own money for things they want when we're out or whatever. The only problem is that as of today we have spent our entire pay check on bills, food, and gas with only about $30 in extras... so not sure where that allowance will come from...or how much they will get. Man, it's been a change adding $300 rent and only get $160 more in income! AHHH!!! WE will survive :)
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