Spouse Not on Board?

[Karen Harris]

I'm new to BP and am venturing into buy and hold REI with a skeptical spouse. He supports me using my inheritance funds for investing, but chooses not to participate himself because he lacks confidence in and understanding of RE investing. I've asked him to read some good books with me on the topic, but he's just not interested. I'm thinking that he'll come around after I complete a deal successfully and he sees that it's profitable.

Has anyone on BP ever faced similar challenges with your spouse? If so, how did you handle it?

Sure would appreciate some advice here. Thanks! 

[Kenneth Reimer]

@Karen Harris Karen, if you do decide to move forward without the complete support of your spouse, you might run into more problems in your relationship than it's worth. While the income would be nice, I would wait until you got him on board. When you invest in real estate, you sign up for all the problems that come with it as well. If your spouse isn't voluntarily signing up for it with you, and some of those problems become his problems indirectly (whether it be actually dealing with the problems, your absence, etc.), it could put a very large strain on your relationship. You would then be trading happiness for money, something I don't think any of us would advise.

On the flip side of the coin, if this is something that you're passionate about, and will bring you fulfillment, then you cannot let your spouse stop you. He is currently making the choice to not dive into it with you. Be mindful that you are not pushing him into it. Rather, you should be pulling him into it by leading. Ask him what his goals are, how you can help him get there, and if he will help you do the same thing. 

I hope showing both sides of the argument is helpful; I don't think people telling you what to do is productive. 

Kenny Reimer