Mourning for Money


© Lee Brown
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The last year has brought a great many challenges in my family's life. The biggest hurdle we have had to surmount has been the employment issue. Many of us don't think bereavement and employment are related issues. Take it from one who has been there - there has been a great deal of mourning in our home for the past several months.

The company that employed my husband took out bankruptcy. He'd been working there for almost 20 years. It set us back in a big way. While I have very marketable skills, we have tried for years to keep me home with our children. Now, that option is not available to us. My husband decided that he no longer wanted to rely on others for his employment. He returned to school so as to expand his options. Being over 40, this made it hard for him (and us).

Why is it no one prepares you for these little set backs when you're growing up? Personally, I imagined I would be a mother of five, at home making cookies and sending my husband off to work every morning with a kiss. Reality check! There are so many things that "come up" that change that image you hold. My children see so many different things going on in our home - I do not hide things from them, like my parents did. They see that finances are tight. They watch as my husband and I try to stretch each paycheck to cover the mountain of bills piled on the desk.

In a couple of aspects of our life, I have been very fortunate. My husband is very frugal. He doesn't spend money for no reason (that's my job). He is very conscientious of taking time and a few extra dollars to ensure that our family has a memorable experience every month. It may be something simple like going to the local arcade, but it is time spent as a family and darnit - you better enjoy yourself.

Financial issues can present the tallest hurdles sometimes. It can, and frequently is, the cause of many divorces. A good philosphy that has helped us through the past few month has been; take a look at what you want to buy, come back the following day. If you still want it, come back the following day and buy it. This stops impulse buying and allows you to discuss with your spouse your purchases. The stress of financial worries will be seriously diminished.

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