re: Debt Debt Debt.

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He's got a serious spending problem on consumer goods, that's it.

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Yep--if not goods, then services. I'd love to see the monthly expenditures on non-essentials like TV, excessive phone plan, gym, haircare/personal grooming (cut, color, waxing, mani/pedi), dining out, entertainment, club memberships, etc. He sideways blames his wife upthread (not a very loyal thing to do, imo), and he sort-of owns up to his own unwillingness to pay attention to the finances.

OP sounds like a guy who needs to learn the value of thrift. Public library provides lots of entertainment for an 8 year old, plus free streaming movies/TV and books; public parks provide an alternative to an expensive gym; thrift stores and eBay are a great alternative to buying retail.

He sounds exactly like my brother in law. Just because you want to live the lifestyle your parents provided to you doesn't mean you can afford it. So you've got to learn to live within your means, even if your siblings or friends can afford more.