Wife’s time constraints make early ‘downsizing’ unwise

Any suggestions?

When does he get home? If he were cooking, coupon-clipping and dog-walking, the savings would confer to you as a couple just as if you were doing them.

If he works late, too, then presumably he can see why pre-emptive “savings” might drain more from you and your earning power than they’re worth.

Such expenses buy you rest, and rest isn’t a luxury. You’re well-compensated to produce good work, but you won’t work as well if you’re up late stirring a pot of resentment.

Your husband’s idea isn’t unreasonable; it’s a financial-advisory staple for couples to structure their lives based on one salary — to hedge against illness, injury, job loss or other salary-erasing emergency.

But not everyone can do that, and some who technically can perhaps shouldn’t — again, not when it involves sacrifices that cost more than they’re worth.

My suggestions: First, look for passive savings — meaning that you leave your lifestyle unchanged but pay less for it. Refinancing a mortgage is the classic example. Also check your credit cards for recurring charges you’ve forgotten about and subscriptions you would barely miss.

Your husband, as chief downsizer, can research moneytracking apps that flag such charges and subscriptions, and coupon-tracking apps that find savings with no habit changes required.

Put every nickel you two save this way in a savings account via payroll deduction.

Look to cut material luxuries next, to keep time and convenience luxuries intact.

If you’ve tried these and your husband still sees them as insufficient, you should draw the line: You’ll cook, clip, ride, walk and downsize when your earning time is up.