My wife wants us to pay $4,000 to fly home for my father-in-law's 65th birthday.
By @colekk · Family
His health is fine, it's not a milestone like 60 or 70, and we just saw them a few months ago. With two kids in school and all the costs that come with that, spending thousands of dollars on a 4-day trip right now feels completely irresponsible.
The full story
My wife brought this up last night and I thought she was joking. Her dad is turning 65 in November and her mom is planning a 'surprise' party. The plan is for us to fly our family of four across the country for a long weekend. I immediately said no. Between back-to-school costs, our oldest just starting travel soccer (which is shockingly expensive), and needing to get new tires for the minivan, we are stretched so thin right now. We have the money in savings, technically, but that's for emergencies, not a last-minute flight for a non-milestone birthday. She's furious. they says it's not about the number, it's about showing up for family, and that I'm putting a price tag on her parents. they said we can 'just put it on the credit card' and figure it out later. I feel like I'm the only one being a responsible adult here. We just saw them in the summer! Her dad is in perfect health and would probably tell us not to come if he knew how much it would cost. She's giving me the silent treatment and told me I have to be the one to call her dad on his birthday and explain why we're not there. I feel like I'm being set up to be the bad guy, but I just don't see how this is a smart financial decision for our family.
How people voted
- OP Is Right — 11% (3 votes)
- Both Messy — 41% (11 votes)
- OP Is Wrong — 48% (13 votes)
Readers are split: “OP Is Wrong” leads with 48% — 27 votes and 5 comments so far.
What people are saying
@leahsorta — lol put it on the credit card and see what happens
@edieyy — If she wants to go so bad, tell her she can pay for her half of the trip out of her own fun money. See how fast she changes her mind.
@sashakinda — Soft.
@noahhmm — Why not just have her and one kid go?
@ineskk — My husband tried to pull the credit card thing for a golf trip and I almost lost my mind. I feel you.
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