He Lived in Comfort While His Wife and Kids Went Without — Until the Truth Came Out

Wife and Kids Were Starving While Husband Pampered Himself with Luxuries — Story of the Day

While he indulged in pricey luxury goods for himself, my spouse put me on a very tight budget. receives a lesson.

I was 22 years old when I first met Tom, and he was the kindest man I had ever encountered. I married him three months after he proposed. ‘Marry in haste, repent at leisure,’ my grandmother used to say, and she was correct.

Everything was great at first. Due to financial constraints, we were quite cautious when we moved into our first small apartment. I followed my budget shopping list, collected coupons, and made purchases during sales. I was mistaken to believe that things would improve.

When Tom received his first promotion two years after we were married, I was hoping for a bit extra money, but it was not to be. Tom immediately pointed out that we would need to exercise more caution with a baby on the way when I found out I was pregnant.

I was overjoyed when my darling Angelina was born! I could see myself dressing her up like a live doll, taking her to the zoo and out for ice cream on family vacations, etc.

However, as Angelina got older, I soon realized that I had no money left over. When my Angel was born, Tom had suggested that I quit my career because the cost of child care would exceed my income.

Now, Tom objected whenever I requested money for anything that was above my means, including ice cream. I had to keep track of every penny, and Tom become almost completely fixated on our spending.

His supervisor had been promoted, and the new one didn’t seem to like him, he admitted when he got home one day. Tom was adamant that we save more money because he was afraid the new boss would terminate him.

My already thrifty grocery budget was drastically cut by him right away, and I was having trouble putting food on the table. Tom, on the other hand, frequently stopped by his mother’s house for dinner after eating lunch at the company cafeteria.

It became difficult to feed my girl healthily, and when Angel began to outgrow her clothes, Tom took me to a thrift store and gave me instructions to buy her new clothes.

Even though his position was tenuous, Tom made sure to look like a successful executive by wearing a nice watch and dressing beautifully. Things worsened after Angel started school.

She was growing up so quickly! I insisted on having enough money to buy our kid new shoes because she needed them with scary frequency and I recalled my mother saying that excellent shoes were necessary for healthy growth.

I resisted Tom’s tirades over the luxury and his accusations that I shamelessly pampered Angelina. I found myself a part-time work at a nearby restaurant because she was at school for a large portion of the day.

Although it’s wise to manage finances, some people develop an obsession with saving.
“Thank God, honey,” I remarked with joy when I informed Tom that I was employed, “because the company gave us the option of either accepting a 20% salary reduction, or cutting back on staff.”

I was appalled. However, I believed they were earning enormous profits, Tom! You stated that sales have increased.

Tom said, “Executive decisions, honey,” with regret. “The shareholders decided, and I can’t afford to make a fuss or they’ll fire me.” I gave a stupid nod, realizing that now that I was working, I would actually have less money, not more.

Later that year, we had to go to a business function at Tom’s company, and in order to look like the wife of a successful young executive, I had to borrow a lovely dress and shoes from a friend.

I met Tom’s new boss at the party, and he seemed like a nice guy. “Young lady, you have every reason to be proud of your husband,” he told me. He has a bright future in front of him.

After giving me a wink, the boss continued. “He seems to like you a lot!” I told Tom.

Tom gave a headshake. “Baby, it’s all a show. He is clever and sly. Nobody can predict his next move. I have been informed that I am on the blacklist. Everyone was so amiable that I was taken aback, but surely Tom knew best?

When I returned home for Christmas, I was astounded to see a massive, brand-new, high-end TV in the living room. “Tom? From where did this originate? I let out a gasp.

“I purchased it! The screen is QLED. Take a look at the color and the definition!” Tom let out a hearty cry. I simply gazed at him. He must have spent thousands of our valuable savings on the TV!

I sobbed, “I don’t understand,” “I can’t buy a Christmas present that Angelina wants, I scrimp and save every day, and you blow thousands of dollars on a wide-screen TV?”

I saw a shift in Tom’s expression. “It’s my money and I can spend it any way I want!”

“I thought it was OUR money, Tom!” I let out a gasp. “I thought we were making sacrifices to build up our savings because…”

“OUR money?” “MY money, MINE!” exclaimed Tom. I’m not going to waste my hard-earned money putting you in the lap of luxury.”

I glanced around at our small apartment, down at my third-hand clothes, and at the shabby second-hand furnishings. “The lap of luxury?” Bitterly, I asked. “Angel and I live like paupers, while you dress like a lord, and eat like a king!”

“I deserve it!” Tom yelled, “I earned it, I’ll spend it, and it’s all mine! You’re a failure and a nothing who is robbing me.”

I gave a nod. “Yes, I do understand. Tom, don’t worry; you won’t have to worry about us anymore.” After entering the bedroom, I began preparing a suitcase for Angelina and one for myself. We didn’t have much, so everything went quickly.

Tom was contentedly changing the stations on his enormous new television as I left with my daughter and the bags. He gazed at me. He said, “Where are you going?”

Calmly, I informed him, “I’m divorcing you, and I’m leaving.” And I did. A year later, I was promoted to manager after approaching my restaurant employer to request additional hours so I could make more money.

Our lifestyles significantly improved. I was able to put delicious food on the table while Angel wore lovely clothes to school! I was shocked to learn that I had been elevated once more to director of the chain of restaurants. Good life turned into excellent life.

I had a big surprise one day. Late one Sunday, I heard a knock on the door and discovered Tom standing there. He had a horrible appearance. His clothing were shabby, and he had gained weight.

He whimpered, “I’m so sorry, baby. I need your help.”

“Excuse me?” Astonished, I asked. “What did you say?”

Tom attempted a sickly grin. “I truly need your assistance because I’m unemployed. Are you able to give me a loan? Would it be possible for me to remain with you and Angel while I recover? You’re doing great, I know that.”

“Yes, I am,” I retorted icily. “And I’m not grateful to you. Tom, you know what? I’m not going to squander my money by maintaining you in a luxurious lifestyle.

In his face, I slammed the door. Although I never saw him again, I had heard that he had secured a position at his previous employer as a cleaner.

What does this narrative teach us?

Although being frugal with money is a desirable thing, some people, like Tom, get so caught up in saving that they lead a life of destitution.

Together, the family should create a budget that accounts for both savings and a fair standard of living. Tom neglected his family because he was preoccupied with himself and his bank account.

Talk to your friends about this article. It could inspire them and make their day.