For Better or For Worse by Lynn Johnston for April 28, 2009

It’s also nice to always have correct change!

Every little cent counts for something, especially the way are economy is.

Sometimes you just need to use common cents.

He should just allow her more household money every time he earns more. It’s demeaning to have to beg your husband for more money.

It’s not that she has to beg. He said all she has to do is ask. But we don’t like asking. I did this when I first got here and couldn’t work. He wasn’t using the change, so I felt that I was able to get my splurges (say chips and candy) without having to dip into his money more than I already was by being there.

Elly just by being a wife and mother you’ve earned it. It’s our money not yours or mine. Remember the wedding where the two become one.

I agree with sugie63. It is not just “his” money because he actually goes out and makes a living. It’s hers too for all she does caring for the kids and home. She shouldn’t have to ask every time she needs money.

It encourages thrift on her part as well as enabling her to feel she’s got lee-way if something costs more than normal and she still wants it. I still do this with my own $ sometimes–just put it away for later, when it’s not enough to bank.

This also allows her to buy little things for him, whithout having to ask him for the money for it. It makes it feel more like a gift, rather than her picking out something he’s buying for himself.

ldyhwkd says:

This also allows her to buy little things for him, whithout having to ask him for the money for it. It makes it feel more like a gift, rather than her picking out something he’s buying for himself.

Maybe I don’t understand this mindset cause we both worked and the $ went into a joint account. Bills were payed from this account and every payday we both got sort of an allowance so we could get the little things that were needed. As long as we kept track of what was going on there was no problems. We been together for 46 years now and it still works for us.

I’m with you Sugie. It’s worked for 28 years for us.

sugie63 the difference comes in when there is only one working. The one not working may be in a position that they have to ask the one with the paycheck when they want to spend something, as John states “just ask”. While the money is “ours” it still sometimes feels as though the money is theirs because they are the one bringing it home. This especially applies when purchasing gifts, at least in my experience.

Two delightful things: (1) Lynn’s ability to come up with something new and interesting each day, although I know some are recycled; (2) the collective wit & wisdom of you folks who comment daily.

Good point!!

When you have to ask for something, there is always the possibility that they will refuse.. and sometimes you don’t want them to know what you’re using the money for.. I think I could be very uncomfortable in this situation, and we’d have to discuss it thoroly first.

I used to do this too when I was staying home with the kids. The bank account was in both of our names and I was perfectly capable of taking money out for what I needed but things were tight so I’d save the change and singles from various errands to put aside for little treats for me or something special for my husband. It also helped me pay better attention to how much I spent on things and where I could save extra money that got added to my own little stash.

FBOFW continues to sadden me since the change….I don’t read it very any more and when I do, I don’t care much about my beloved characters in ‘past’. FBOFW used to be my favorite strip…..

I think we all miss the “soap opera” type stories that Lynn did so well for this family. Now it’s just a-chuckle-a-day sort of thing.

Farley’s passing was hard, but inevitable. He got to go out a hero, rather than just fading away. Would that we all had that option. Drat, I’m choking up just writing this.