The road goes ever on...

[jon2911]

Maybe I've just become skeptical, but I have a hard time believing anyone would walk away from their car with $600 under the seat. What was she doing with $600 cash in the first place? Does she not have a bank account? Does she not carry a purse? Maybe it's just me, but it smells a bit fishy.

I agree. She says she stopped using her credit cards and uses cash-only now, which is why she had so much in the car. She still has a bank account, and gets several thousand a month in natural gas royalties. W has had that money coming in since high school, which is a major reason she overspends so much. At least she's stopped with the credit cards.

Growing up with a ton of money can be a blessing, but a lot of people end up like W. Before we got married she never had to work a job, or save up for anything.

I'm still skeptical about parts of the story, but the stock gives me a way to help her out without hurting myself. And, I think it shows financial responsibility to her. I'm having her send me a picture of the stock certificate before I transfer the money.

Thanks for the advice everyone! I never could've imagined how much this would hurt, wanting her to know that I care but can't bail her out any more. Hopefully rock bottom will come soon.

[ms ladybug]

No. If she has several thousand coming in every month, she can certainly manage her money better. That's more than enough to pay her bills. Anything above and beyond her bills is not your responsibility. Next time she calls asking for help, tell her to go return some shoes.
Man, I'm snarky today. Didn't sleep last night. Sorry.

[jon2911]

No. If she has several thousand coming in every month, she can certainly manage her money better. That's more than enough to pay her bills. Anything above and beyond her bills is not your responsibility. Next time she calls asking for help, tell her to go return some shoes.
Man, I'm snarky today. Didn't sleep last night. Sorry.

Yep, it's a weird turnaround

She has a car payment, credit card bills, and now $650/month rent. And no job. And she can't get one because her migraines are so bad.

I'm not sure about the natural gas money, but it was drying up as of March. So it might be almost gone now. She's already sold a lot of her clothes, shoes and stuff. I guess reality sucks sometimes. And to her family, this is still all my fault. I never made enough money for them. That perception may be changing now though...

[ms ladybug]

Of course it's your fault.
To my in-laws everything is my fault. To believe otherwise, they'd have to accept that their son is NOT the Christ-child as they certainly have always believed.

[LolaL]

Okay I have to rethink my position. I wish I had several thousand a month in royalty stock. Jon, dear, if she is still getting money and cannot manage it, its time for her to see a credit counselor.

Ultimately the decision is yours, but I was under the impression she was broke. Well, you know what I mean, no money coming in. They have financial services at the bank....

[maninmotion]

Jon, I have to give you props. I got married when I was 26 and I was absolutely not even close to mature enough to do what you are doing to save your M.

I had a friend this last weekend ask if W and I were ballroom dancing. I looked at him quizzically and he replied that the only rule in ballroom dancing is that it is always the man's fault.

Keep up the good work.

Dan

[jon2911]

Thanks maninmotion,
I'll check on your sitch soon. Isn't ballroom dancing awesome?

[jon2911]

Okay I have to rethink my position. I wish I had several thousand a month in royalty stock. Jon, dear, if she is still getting money and cannot manage it, its time for her to see a credit counselor.

Ultimately the decision is yours, but I was under the impression she was broke. Well, you know what I mean, no money coming in. They have financial services at the bank.

Well, she's still broke. $10,000 in medical bills so far this year, and all out-of-pocket for her while we fight the insurance company.

It's hard for me because I don't know any details. She went to a credit counselor, and he helped her consolidate the car payment and credit cards, but that's still a monthly payment, and then rent. But now that she doesn't live with her parents, I can come visit. But I agree with you, no more help from here on out.

[MichelleLT]

I had a friend this last weekend ask if W and I were ballroom dancing. I looked at him quizzically and he replied that the only rule in ballroom dancing is that it is always the man's fault.

That's funny. Cuz my dance teachers always said it was the woman's job to make the man look good and that he was always on the right foot since he was leading.

(((Jon)))

[jon2911]

W texted last night "great new song rehab". I thought she was talking about Amy Winehouse, but she texted "no, you're so out of date". I took a chance and texted later "Dallas misses you". This was a cute thing we would do while long-distance dating. She called immediately, and we talked for an hour until she fell asleep. She's in far Southeast Texas staying with her grandparents for a few days.

I also spent the day getting an iPhone! Had to wait in line early in the morning, at lunch, and again at night, but didn't miss any work. This thing is amazing, and it was a fun GAL. Fortunately I could afford to buy it and W's stock. Our quarterly bonus was huge.