Just a Housefrau?

Recently Tony (my hubby) and I made two purchases, using zero percent interest loans. We sometimes go this route, because we ALWAYS pay off the loan before it's due and interest accumulates at a disgusting rate. Both purchases were technically necessities.

The first is the computer I am currently typing away on. My old laptop up and died. It was a Dell, and the Geek Squad was amazed I had had it for 6 years. They truly were impressed. I'm hopeful this baby, an Asus, and I can have a long and meaningful relationship, too.

The second was our new enviro-friendly furnace and humidifier. Our old one was probably 25-30 years old, so, yeah, I guess we figured it was time. Plus rebates ended in 2010. Last November we had one installed.

In the world of finance, I may only be a housefrau--a persona non grata--but back in October, it would have been nice when I was at the Best Buy counter, filling in all the paper work, and literally only calling Tony over when he needed to sign, if the person processing the loan suggested we fill out a joint application.

A month later, as we sat around our dining room table with the sales rep from Sears, it too would have been grand if he suggested we fill out a joint application.

Why?

Because when she, who pays the bills, calls in regard to these two accounts, she is told she has no authority to discuss this financial information--until her husband has given his approval.

Now, I don't fault my husband or the process, but seriously why wouldn't either of these two major companies suggest joint apps in the first place? We don't file for a loan regularly, not even every year or even two years, so we didn't think to ask. (That won't happen again.) Not only that, don't these companies realize most stay-at-home moms are the ones who handle household finances?

In those moments on the telephone, speaking with an overseas credit rep, I felt like a wife from the Victorian Age: insignificant.

I knew better, so I had to give myself the pep talk.

The work I do on a daily basis is hard, challenging and incredibly important. I operate a small business, a non-profit organization and a private school, after all. I just don't get paid a dime.

I also know that though a salary for my efforts would make life a lot easier, the reward that my husband, my son, and I reap is incalculable. We also feel our choice has benefits beyond our home. This isn't an attempt to start a debate. I appreciate there are pros/cons of working, "non-working" moms. I'm just telling my story.

And that is: Take heart! all you homemakers, housewives, home economists, home engineers, ladies of the house, housefraus or whatever name you dub yourself.

One day, we will receive payment in full. It may come when your child graduates Summa Cum Laude, when she opens her own business, when your husband retires early because you managed your household investments so well, or when your son starts his own beautiful family. Or you may have to wait until it's all over and you stand at Heaven's gates. Just stay confident that your reward will come; and you aren't alone; and you aren't just a housefrau.