Money Moron

Episode 1

Dan & Alison

22 mins

Alison calls in Gail to deal with the money management issues of her husband, Dan. Dan, who has always enjoyed the finer things in life and who likes to be generous to friends which often manifests itself in picking up the check in frequent meals out, lost his $80,000 per annum job shortly before he and Alison got married - something he postponed telling her in his want for her to have the wedding she wanted - that job which was replaced by a $30,000 per annum one. Alison, who has yet to start her teaching career, got pregnant shortly thereafter, she now six months into the pregnancy. Even with those added expenses and less income, Dan's spending did not change, the biggest bone of contention being a luxury sedan which Dan unilaterally purchased and that Alison does not think they can afford. They currently live with Dan's mother in her house rent free until they get back on their feet, this living arrangement which further places a strain on their young marriage. Alison is afraid that Dan, who has always been the reassuring one in their relationship, may talk a good talk but not do anything in a concrete fashion to deal with their financial problems. Beyond the spending diary which they are to keep, Gail wants Dan to sell the car, even if it means taking a loss on it. She also gives them $200 to carve out a small space in his mother's house for them including the baby, something which Alison was initially reluctant to do if only in making the living arrangement feel more permanent than she wanted. And she wants them to prepare a five year budget so that they will be on the same page for their medium term life goals.