01/14/2025
MY HUSBAND SPENT OUR FAMILY'S SAVINGS FOR A CAR ON A PARIS TRIP FOR HIS MOM — SO I TAUGHT HIM A LESSON ABOUT FINANCES.
We'd been saving for a new car for three years — three years of saving every penny, skipping vacations, and saying "next time" to every little indulgence. With three kids under 10 and our van falling apart, a reliable car wasn't a luxury — it was a necessity. David had always been on board, or so I thought.
One evening, as I tucked the kids in, David walked in, a strange mix of excitement and guilt on his face. "I did something today," he said.
"Oh?" I asked, already wary.
"I bought Mom a trip to Paris!" he announced, grinning like he'd won the lottery.
I froze. "You what?"
"She's always dreamed of going. She's done so much for us — I wanted to give her something special."
'And where, exactly, did you get the money for this?"
He avoided my eyes. "I…uh…used the car fund."
I couldn't believe it. Three years of saving — for this? "You spent the money we need for a safe car for our kids on a vacation for your mom?"
"IT'S MY MONEY TOO!" he shot back, defensive. "SHE DESERVES IT! YOU CAN'T PUT A PRICE ON GRATITUDE."
I said nothing. My silence wasn't agreement — it was the calm before the storm. Over the next few days, I played the supportive wife while quietly plotting my next move.⬇️
