I started out as the one who was pushing getting spending under control (Cummuta’s materials before Ramsey was around, then “America’s Cheapest Family, then Ramsey), but once my wife really got into it, she’s been a beast. 3-ring notebook, pencil, categories, you name it. We’re well on the way, down to just the mortgage and one (interest free, thank you, MOAA) student loan.
Married couples HAVE to work together on financial discipline, it just doesn’t work any other way.
Colonel, USAFR
Never start on a mutual budget until both parties are ready to go. If one spouse is reluctant, deal with that issue first.
We are on Baby Step #5 and will be for quite some time unless a scholarship appears out of nowhere.