My decisions are forcing me to sell my wife's dream home

mrsconn23 · November 2014

Dear Prudence,
I have been married to a wonderful woman for 36 years. Two years ago, at age 58, I left a very secure well-paying job for a business opportunity that didn’t work out. Now at 60, I am rekindling my former career in sales. The problem is that after 30 years I know my tank is empty, and I will never make the type of money I once did. My wife is incredibly selfless, has never spent on herself, but adores our antique house and pictures us living there for the rest of our lives. After eight years of college tuitions, our daughter’s wedding, and some other large outflows, our bank account is tapped, and my earnings outlook dim. Downsizing would make total financial sense, but I know my wife will be crushed if we have to sell. We have some retirement money, but not enough if we start taking it now. I am racked with guilt for putting us in this situation. Besides our family, this house is her life.

—Sick with worry