Dear Diary,

I feel bad. I haven't updated a whole bunch other than my Friday post. I've been trying to keep this blog upbeat and positive, but the last few weeks have been a bit stressful and well, annoying.

I know, I know... I've only been married for 25 days. It's not my marriage, or even my husband who is driving me bonkers. It's been our so-called "roommate", if that's what you can call him. What do you call someone who doesn't pay bills and mooches off of you? Storage space stealin' creepster.

I digress. I want to remain upbeat. haha.

Here's the deal. This kid has been living with us for just a shave under 3 months and hasn't paid a single bill. Not rent, power, cable, food. Not. A. Single. Bill. Husband and I were trying to be patient, help him find a job, get on his feet, get his life together. But it comes to a point when you're helping someone who simply does not want your help. And you have to give up and let them fall. That is what happened last night.

Now, I know this isn't a happy, cheery post... But I've been on a silver lining kick lately. While it sucks that we had to kick him out of the house last night in order to keep a grasp of our sanity, at least we finally get to live like newly-weds. And maybe this kid will find the motivation to improve his life. Maybe he'll see the light. Probably not... but maybe.

As with all experiences in life, we try to walk away with some new found knowledge. I have to take a step back, remove myself a little to get a better perspective. But wow. My husband has my back. I mean.. I knew he had my back, but I mean... he REALLY has my back. Also, this particular incident has brought forth some wisdom my father gave me many years ago. I didn't like... I still kinda don't. But damn if it isn't true.

Education isn't free. College classes cost a lot of money. Life costs even more. I guess I just paid for a lesson on life.

Thanks Dad.

Merging Money

Last night, Husband and I sat down and went over our finances. It's shocking to me to find out how little I knew about his finances even though we've lived together for over 2 years. The entire time we've been together, we've kept our finances fairly to our selves, rarely discussing them and only exchanging money for bills.

Prior to getting married, he and I had discussed what would occur with our money once we were married. It was probably a good conversation to have looking back, because it made last nights conversation go smoothly. We've agreed to keep part of our money separate, but to merge the majority into one account.

Once we came to that agreement, we budgeted out our bills and our debts. We've worked out a plan to have our debts paid off by the end of the year (If I take charge, it will actually be completely by December), and to start saving for the future. The Nest has a budgeting tool that I was looking at last night. For some reason it seems to have a lot of bugs, so I'll probably be looking for another one, or maybe just making my own spread sheet. (If you're reading this.... and have suggestions, please leave a comment!!).

I know that Husband and I are not the only people who will have problems when it comes to money, whether it's a lack of or just in general. To be completely honest, the subject totally freaks me out and makes me fret and worry. I'll be sharing my livelyhood, my income with someone else. I just have to remember to take a step back and remember that I'm asking him to do the same. I'm worried he'll spend it all, and he's worried I wont let him have any. haha. But, I'm confident that we will be able to work through any problems we come across as long as we communicate and work together as a team.