Manners Matter: Dreaming of Disney

Dear Mary Pat,

After four years of saving, this is the year that we were finally going to take our kids to Disney World during spring break. Unfortunately, my wife’s hours got indefinitely reduced to one day a week instead of five days. This is really going to hit on our regular day-to-day budget. The last thing in the world that I want to do is break my kids’ hearts, but I think we should put this trip on hold until my wife’s hours go back to normal or she finds another job. Am I being too cautious?

Signed,
Disappointed Dad
Algoma, Wis.

Dear Disappointed Dad,

I know you don’t want to disappoint your children, but you are the adult and responsible for keeping them housed and fed. If your wife’s income has that much impact on your daily needs, then you do need to stop and reassess. It is wise to tighten your belt until the income situation improves. Why don’t you hold off on making a firm decision now?  Perhaps your wife will go back to full-time work within a month or she will find another full-time position. If things aren’t looking up by then, you should start preparing your kids that Disney won’t be happening this year. Yes, they will be sad but that’s not enough of a reason to put strain on the family finances. See if there are other options available to you for spring break. Maybe you can afford two nights in a hotel somewhere close by. Or maybe a staycation is more realistic. Sometimes we ignore the amazing things that are in our backyard. Take a look at your local offerings at visitalgomawi.com or doorcounty.com/family-fun. Don’t worry; Disney will be waiting for you when you’re ready to go.

Good luck,

Mary Pat