We’re Still In The Dark Ages It Seems

I had this thought yesterday but was too lazy to write it out. Also, we had…and still have water coming up out of the floors, so I was a bit distracted. Today, I write it.

I wrote previously about an FRG meeting that really stirred up my temper.  Yesterday I remembered a couple other things that were said there that annoyed me too. Though, to be fair, I’ve heard them at every predeployment briefing I’ve attended. And it, to me, really shows how sexist things can still be in the military.

“Soldiers, make sure your wife has sufficient funds to cover expenses while you’re gone. Set up an allotment for her.”

Excuse me? I’m the one here, at home, with the kids, and the dogs, and the truck to care for. I’m the one filling the refridgerator and freezer. If ANYONE gets an “allowance” it’s going to be the husband!  He’s got his meals provided, his “shelter” so to speak, and transportation.

Maybe Hunny and I are just backwards. I’ve handled the finances for 16 years. Maybe not always what would be considered WELL, but I worked with what we had, or more accurately DIDN’T have, for many of those. When he deploys, he has his own account, with his own debit card. A small monthly amount gets put in there automatically. An allotment that was actually supposed to end a year ago, as it used to be a loan payment. However now it just goes neatly into our savings account with that bank. If he needs extra, which he rarely does, I add to it.

What makes these people think it’s ok to tell our soldiers to give their WIVES an allotment only? Yes, I’m well aware there are women that blow through money like water in a desert but they aren’t the majority. We aren’t the “little woman” anymore, running around barefoot and pregnant and dong the June Cleaver thing.  We are running the show when these guys are gone, and deserve a little more respect from those giving advice.

2. “Do not give your spouse a general power of attorney, it’s too powerful”

Yes, there are some nasty women out there. The example given most often is “They could sell your car”. Ummm…it’s my car too, one which I need to get around? Wouldn’t that basically be cutting off my nose to spite my face? Hey I need some cash, let me sell this truck, I can walk to the grocery store and home with my mountain of food. I am SHE-RA!! No. Not likely.

I guess I’m just tired of the advise given being tailored to the lowest common denominator.  Tired of  being told that even though this man trusts me with his children and home, and most importantly his heart, that he shouldn’t trust me with his finances and property.

It’s a load of crap to be honest. And we deserve more.