Married couple Karyn and Mark bought a $230,000 fixer upper four years ago to turn into their dream home. Mark, earning about $65,000 a year as a machinist, works seven days a week to provide for the family, and does not have the energy to...See moreMarried couple Karyn and Mark bought a $230,000 fixer upper four years ago to turn into their dream home. Mark, earning about $65,000 a year as a machinist, works seven days a week to provide for the family, and does not have the energy to do any of the renovations when he comes home, despite Karyn's want for him to do so. The renovation work thus far has been piecemeal, resulting in very few quality completed living spaces in the house. Beyond the shopping for the interior decoration parts of the renovations, Karyn does not herself do any of the work since it is in her mind a "boy's" job. Karyn, the stay at home mom, has a side catering business. One of the few fully completed spaces in the house is a catering kitchen in the basement, which cost them $40,000. Karyn, however, has only made a few hundred dollars on the business so far. Karyn, who handles all the household finances, is constantly smiling to hide the problems. Although Mark is aware of their financial difficulties, Karyn, who knows closer to the extent of the problem which in reality is $120,000 of consumer debt ($80,000 of which is hidden in their mortgage, making their mortgage now more than for what they bought the house), admits that she would not blame Mark if he packed in their marriage. Gail's biggest want for the couple is for them to share the work, which primarily means Karyn adding both an income, even if it is not through catering, and sweat equity into the renovations, and not just her signature on a credit card purchase. Gail gives them a glimpse into their future if they don't follow her rules. Written by
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