Money doesn't grow on trees

I have been under a lot of financial stress lately. Jason came home in May and we moved into our new apartment in June. Since Jason was gone for 6 months he no longer had a job. It has been very hard for him to find one. Not only is no one hiring but Jason is a reservist in the Marine Corps and I think that is keeping alot of employers from even considering hiring him. There is no other explaination for Jason not being hired. He has an excellent resume with years of managing experience. We are going on 3 months of him not having a job. That has been very rough for both of us. Our only fights have to do with money. We moved into our apartment assuming we'd have two paychecks to live off of. Instead, its just been mine and the very little money Jason makes for report in for duty. It is so bad that we have considered the option of Jason going Active Duty. However, he has to wait a couple years before he can do that. Right now Jason is gone for 2 weeks for summer duty. When he gets back he has a couple weeks to focus on the job search again. Then, school starts. Luckily, Jason gets his schooling paid for by the government so he is going full time! I hope he can find a night job so that he doesnt have to drop classes.

I have spent years saving up my money. I have always had savings and have never been in debt. I take pride in the hard work I've done to make sure i have some financail security. However, over the past few months my savings have slowly been dwindling away. I have to pay for rent, gas, food, utilities, furnishing the apartment, my dog Oakley, entertainment, clothes, school, etc. All of this is on top of working 40 hours a week. Now, I need to start planning a wedding. I feel like this summer has been more work than play. Thats depressing when summer is so close to coming to an end. Okay, maybe I am being dramatic... I guess I actually did have alot of fun this summer. I turned 21, been to some bars/clubs/concerts, went to Park City with some friends, had bonfires, spent time with friends and family, and got engaged! I guess just the realization that I am growing up isnt exactly fun in itself. I wish I could rely on my parents again. I would give anything to be in alot of my friends position where they can still have their parents pay for the majority of their expenses. I hope they know how lucky they are to still have that!

The only way to get rid of that stress is to fix it. I havent been spending much money lately. Basically it has all been on bills, gas, and food. I have stopped eating out and have been preparing every single meal. Its been 10 days of this routine. It is very time consuming but I'm saving money and eating healthy and that makes it worth the extra time. Its also been easier since Jason is gone and I have more time. I feel bad when friends have asked to hang out and I feel that all I can say is "No". Unfortunately, going out means spending money. So, I stay home cleaning, cooking, reading and swimming. (I can't wait till Jason is home to entertain me).

I hope that my continued hard work will all work out in the end. I hope that Jason will find a job and help take some of the financial burden off my shoulders. I know that things wont be like this forever so I guess my final hope is just that we can get thru it without too many bruises!!