A stay-at-home mom with three kids was suprised when her husband, who is the breadwinner, gave her a $100 Christmas budget to cover everything from necessities to decorations. While he was away, she discovered a note he had left and, feeling betrayed, devised a plan for revenge.
A young mother reading a book to her three kids | Source: Shutterstock
On November 21, 2022, the stay-at-home mom with three children, found herself in a tight financial situation and turned to Reddit for opinions.
Her husband, who worked full-time and earned an okay salary, had restricted their spending for the past four months to save up for a football event overseas. He was deeply passionate about football, and his dedication to this interest led him to prioritize the trip. Despite her concerns, she refrained from judging him, understanding his longing for personal enjoyment.
The couple discussed their Christmas plans, and the original poster’s husband informed her that she had to handle everything since he wouldn’t be back until December 20. He mentioned he had set aside $100 for Christmas decorations, food, gifts, and the children’s needs.
On November 20, a day before sharing her story online, she stumbled upon an envelope while cleaning the house and decided to check what was inside.
One hundred dollar bill | Source: Shutterstock
She was utterly shocked at the meager amount. Expressing her dismay, she pointed out that $100 for the entire family’s Christmas celebration was woefully insufficient. He nonchalantly shrugged, stating it was all he had.
A couple arguing | Source: Getty Images
The woman countered, highlighting how he was spending on travel expenses. Her husband insisted she should just “take it,” but she stood her ground, declaring that if he left her with just $100, she wouldn’t be organizing anything for Christmas. Despite numerous arguments, they couldn’t resolve the issue.
What Did the Woman Discover in Her Husband’s Absence?
The later part of the woman’s Reddit post revealed that her husband had left for Qatar days ago. On November 20, a day before sharing her story online, she stumbled upon an envelope while cleaning the house and decided to check what was inside.
Considering all that had unfolded, she couldn’t shake the feeling that she might have been at fault for refusing to do anything for Christmas and making her husband livid.
A Christmas tree placed next to a fireplace with gifts and decorations | Source: Shutterstock
To her astonishment, it contained $100 and a little note from her spouse, instructing her “to make it work.” In response, the woman messaged him, firmly stating her decision not to organize anything for Christmas with such a limited budget. She recalled her husband’s reaction to her text in these words:
“He was livid[;] he just kept sending an angry message after another calling me “spoiled” and telling me to stop expecting to live like I was still living in my [parents’] house and to stop trying to “rob” the kids of enjoying the holidays like the other kids.”
A young woman relaxing | Source: Shutterstock
Netizens React
The woman’s Reddit story stirred an overwhelming response from people, with the majority deeming her “NTA.” Commenters expressed deep concern about what they saw as financial abuse. Many questioned the fairness of her husband’s actions, criticizing his prioritization of personal interests over family needs. They encouraged his wife to stand up for herself, suggesting ultimatums and even divorce if necessary.
Several commenters emphasized that it was not just his money but family money, highlighting the importance of equality in financial decisions within a marriage. People sympathized with the woman’s situation, pointing out the husband’s selfish behavior, financial control, and lack of respect for her and their children.
Some even recommended taking legal action, urging OP to secure her and her children’s future independently. Overall, the consensus among the commenters was that she deserved better treatment and should not tolerate such behavior.