June 30, 2008 • June Walbert
Q: What is the recommended monthly allotment for a corporal (code: E4) in Iraq (serving in a K-9 unit in a dangerous area) to send his wife? My husband sent $700 to his parents last month and I only received $400. I am a college student and I live with my parents. His parents keep asking for hundreds of dollars and there is no limit. It is an ongoing problem.
-Rose, Ft. Worth, Texas
A: Honestly, this seems more like a relationship issue than a financial question. The book answer is: He should send whatever you and your husband have worked out based on your goals as a couple, lifestyle expense needs and other financial obligations. This is something you need to address with him to ensure you have the happy and healthy relationship you want. As a first step, I would suggest you build a detailed monthly budget, being sure to include savings for your family's emergency fund, and use it as a jump-off point to discuss family finances with your husband. To be sure, money can be a difficult topic, especially when you are a new couple. But, it is an important part of married life and cannot be — and should not be — overlooked. Ignoring the issue and hoping for the best is not a good plan. Good luck.
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June Walbert is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER TM practitioner with USAA Financial Planning Services, one of the USAA family of companies.
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Posted by: stephanie | October 06, 2008 at 04:25 PM