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"My Boyfriend Is Terrible With Money"


Money can be a tricky thing in a relationship. And when you can't see eye-to-eye on how it should be spent, it can cause all kinds of problems. Two Redditors are dealing with this issue currently: throwaway382811's boyfriend keeps spending his money irresponsibly—most recently on a remote-control helicopter—and asking her to pick up the tab when he's broke, and money_frustrated's boyfriend just bought $4,000 worth of tools when they're trying to save up so they can move out of their parents' houses and live together.

While most people don't mind helping out financially on occasion when their S.O. is in a bind, it's understandable to not to want someone who's a complete mooch or careless spender. So, here's the advice Reddit gave to help these women with their boyfriends' bad habits.

From throwaway382811's thread:

"So stop bailing him out. When he complains, say 'It's my money and I can spend it how I want.'" —Zorkeldschorken

"Sit him down, talk to him about financial responsibility, and [say] that while you love him, you're NOT his personal piggy bank. If he refuses to change, then you should leave him, because it sounds like he's extremely irresponsible, and this'll bleed into a lot more than just money (what if you have kids? Do they automatically become your responsibility?)." —Tsuyoi

"When he asks for gas money, suggest that he return 'XYZ' toy so he can afford his other things. He'll learn soon enough. As he sees it, he doesn't need to change because everything is fine and it works out. Stop making it work for him to be irresponsible." —Goodtimes32

From money_frustrated's thread:

"If blowing through all your savings in a couple of weeks for stuff you don't need seems like a good idea, there is no reasoning with [him]. You need to decide if you're willing to put up with a future full of his bad financial decisions." —misseff

"Let him know that your relationship is on the line because of his lack of financial discipline. Talk to an attorney before you get engaged, so you will get professional advice on just how much financial liability you'll be taking on if you marry him." —copperplatedbowl

"I'd talk to him and see what his attitude about money and saving truly seems to be. I'd ask him how his recent spending works with his goals of saving. I also feel like he should live independently for about a year or so and rent an apartment or bedroom in a house with roommates. He won't ever learn the consequences of blowing through all his money if he goes straight from his mom's house to a house where he knows you'll bail him out if he gets in trouble and never experience those consequences." —mcnuggetskitty

Have you dealt with S.O.s who are terrible at managing their finances? Can they change, or should these women get out before things get even worse?
