Taking the next step

[Not Quitting]

My H used to keep spreadsheets of every bank or credit card transaction we did, updating it every time either of us used our debit card or the credit card, etc. So yesterday when we had to take our list of expenses/income to the credit counselling session I was expecting him to come with a printout. I'd already set up a budget on Excel so printed that off and took it. H turns up with a scrap of paper with a couple of numbers and the rest he just gave from memory.

He was always the one to handle the finances as he's the math whiz. I didn't realize how far in the hole we were until I took a really close look at everything when he moved out. Guess I should have paid more attention. Of course, I've managed to keep my expenses under control since we separated and have actually started to put a little bit into a savings account each month, while H is still eating out frequently and drinking out often - and then complains about being broke. The one thing that I always took care, and that he's now going to have to figure out how to do for himself is the tax return.

The two joint bills we still have (cell phone, but only until contract ends in a couple of months, and the debt settlement repayments) are coming out of my account and I made sure he put a clause into the separation paperwork guaranteeing that he would pay his share in a timely manner. It's been working so far.