My Dad Is So Mean With Money
QIt’s always been a standing joke in our family that my dad is as mean as Jim Royle from The Royle Family. I feel so sorry for Mum as she never gets a decent holiday. Her washing machine broke down recently and Dad put off replacing it for weeks because he was waiting for a good deal. Never mind the fact that poor Mum was carting loads of washing to the laundrette. I’ve tried talking to him, but he has me down as being extravagant and won’t listen.
AWe laugh at The Royle Family but, as you so rightly say, the reality of your dad’s incomprehensible penny pinching is no joke.
Perhaps he had the kind of childhood that made him more aware of the importance of being careful with money. I wonder if there are still financial worries or is this just a way of life? Do they have a joint account? Does your mother have any funds of her own?
He must spend money on something
he enjoys? This can be a way in for you to challenge his rigid belief system. For example, if he enjoys car racing/ bowling/swimming – why not join him as a surprise and then make sure YOU pay for it? Then you can all plan a repeat event where HE pays. Get him to experience the pleasure in paying for others while being paid for as well.
He needs to be shown that while parting with money appropriately can be fun, it is also NOT an extravagance – especially when it makes our lives work more efficiently. Why should your mother be denied a holiday or a workable washing machine? He needs to be shown the effects of his “issue” and learn to break through his old patterns. If you can’t get through to him, find a way to pay for a washing machine yourself and suggest he see a counsellor.
Perhaps he had the kind of childhood that made him aware of being careful with money