Husband Spends All Our Money on His Hobbies – Story of the Day

Today's #storyoftheday is about a wife's dilemma as her husband spends all his salary on unnecessary purchases when she saves money even on food.

Money has never been an issue in my marriage with Magnus, as we used to earn more than enough. Our only child, Maggy, has a family of her own and is expecting her firstborn in a few months.

However, since the COVID-19 outbreak, I have been trying to cut short on our expenses. Magnus and I were severely affected by the pandemic, specifically with our jobs. I lost mine, but fortunately, I was able to find a new one which pays lower.

Meanwhile, my husband's company downsized and cut their wages in half. While what we earn is enough to sustain the two of us, it seems it is only my salary that is being used to pay off the household bills.

Magnus spends all of his earnings on his hobbies -- and he has a lot of them. He goes hunting, fishing, and plays several video games at home. While this was not a problem before, his spending habits did not change despite our decreased financial resources.

One day, my husband bought an old Atari with games and a fishing rod worth nearly $600. It would have been great if he used his rods to catch fish and cook them, but often, the expensive ones just go on display in the basement.

I tried to talk to Magnus about this several times, but he usually shrugs it off or laughs and says, "Well, honey, you only live once, and I certainly want to live my life to the best that I can with the best that I can afford."

Last night, I realized how unfair it was that nearly my entire salary goes to both our needs while his money is solely for his entertainment and leisure. While he was playing with his video game, I said:

"Listen Magnus, from now on we are splitting every bill in this household fair and square. If you want to survive with the basic necessities, then pay up!"

The conversation turned sour if there was even one to begin with. My husband gave me the cold shoulder right after and slept on the couch. I understand his frustrations, and I may have been quite harsh, given that he is a sensitive man.

However, I need him to grow up and start spending wisely. We are lucky even to be employed amidst the worst health crisis the world has seen, yet he would still rather spend on unnecessary items than for means to survive.

I talked to my daughter about what had happened, as she is a daddy's girl and may persuade her father to understand. So far, Maggy advised me to give my dad space to think about what I said. Maggie told me:

"You know, mom, dad may have kept quiet at that moment and until now, but he definitely heard your words. He's still processing and absorbing it all."

My husband and I don't usually fight, so this is all new to me, and I hate that we are not on talking terms, even if it has only been a day. But was I wrong for wanting him to share in the household bills?

How do you think a wife should behave in such a situation?

Share this story with your friends. It might inspire people to share their own stories or to help someone else.

Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental in this fictional story.

For another good read, find out what happened to a couple who fought because of a wage disparity.