Cullen and Katie: Shifty eyes and constant lies | Part #25

[Boymomma123]

As someone who looks at homes for sale in my area pretty often I also find homes to be less desirable when there is no continuity with the batrooms. If that makes sense, I feel like the house would be more likely to sell if they had updated the other bathrooms in a similar way to the master. New builds are like that, if one bathroom has marble countertops then usually the others are similar. People probably see the nice master bath and assume the others would be similar and then are disappointed knowing there are 3 other bathrooms that need work.

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[FakingIt_MakingIt]

As someone who looks at homes for sale in my area pretty often I also find homes to be less desirable when there is no continuity with the batrooms. If that makes sense, I feel like the house would be more likely to sell if they had updated the other bathrooms in a similar way to the master. New builds are like that, if one bathroom has marble countertops then usually the others are similar. People probably see the nice master bath and assume the others would be similar and then are disappointed knowing there are 3 other bathrooms that need work.

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I totally agree. From what I’ve looked at for real estate in their neighbourhood for the price their asking the entire house should be upgraded to match the master bath. For what they’re asking the buyer should really have to do very little. There’s no way if I was buying there that I would choose their house over other homes nearby.

[HelloSweetie]

There needs to be something that sets their house apart from the newer builds if they want to sell for a similar price. The yard needs to have more trees, be larger, the house needs to have more character, etc.

Their house just screams that it needs work. It sat on the market for a long time before they bought it right? Dave’s advice was based on the assumption that the house was worth what they bought it for a few years ago. I really do t think it was. I just think C&K were stupid.


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[Boymomma123]

It also really has always bothered me the huge difference in style between the light fixture they put in the formal dining room and the fixture above the eat in kitchen table. One is very farmhouse rustic looking while the other is a more modern look.

If I could get a new build with all the finishes I wanted and have continuity throughout the home I would choose a new build over their home any day. Nothing about that home flows well except the wood floors throughout which all also dated and most likely have some wear from the animals and might need to be sanded down and stained again. Darker stains and stains lighter than what they have are more desirable right now anyway.

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[Haulnarse]

There needs to be something that sets their house apart from the newer builds if they want to sell for a similar price. The yard needs to have more trees, be larger, the house needs to have more character, etc.

Their house just screams that it needs work. It sat on the market for a long time before they bought it right? Dave’s advice was based on the assumption that the house was worth what they bought it for a few years ago. I really do t think it was. I just think C&K were stupid.


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Dave said they likely overpaid for it when they brought it.

The biggest thing for me is having that second high interest mortgage - if a house was priced accurately, you had a decent down payment and your income could service the loan - you’d not need that second mortgage. The minute katie started rambling about that mortgage alarm bells rang. Why didn’t the lawyer, or original lender tell them how risky it is??

Second high interest mortgages can and will foreclose on a house for late payments, adding in monumental fees - meaning the main mortgage will be short paid, i hope they prioritise and at least stay current with that.

[Boymomma123]

There needs to be something that sets their house apart from the newer builds if they want to sell for a similar price. The yard needs to have more trees, be larger, the house needs to have more character, etc.

Their house just screams that it needs work. It sat on the market for a long time before they bought it right? Dave’s advice was based on the assumption that the house was worth what they bought it for a few years ago. I really do t think it was. I just think C&K were stupid.


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Which could have easily been something like an updated roof or updated windows, furnace. The home was built in 89 and is 30 years old. Unless the windows or roof were replaced before C&K purchased it then it is likely they could need replaced. 600k is a steep price for a home in need of so many potential repairs. The air conditioner went out last summer and Cullen fixed it because they couldn't afford to pay for proper maintenance. Who knows if that fix will last or how old the furnace and air conditioner are. The hot water heater is also something people look for when deciding on a home. If all of those things are dated and in need or repair or replacement then that is a lot of potential expenses.

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[Todays drama]

There is no reason they need that Suburban. The Mercedes SUV that Katies parents gave them should be all they need. Its paid for, neither one works outside the home, so all they need is one vehicle. Do they still have have that Infinity (I think thats the make) SUV? I think it was a brand Deal loaner. I believe Cullen said they pay over $800 or $900 a month for the Suburban. Thats Money they could use towards Other bills like the mortgage, keeping a roof over their heads. I agree that snacks are ok in moderation. But balanced meals, meaning meat, chicken or fish, potatoes, rice or noodles, a vegetable and side salad was our dinner. Friday was eat out or take out to give us all a break. There is no reason for these kids to be eating so much junk. They keep saying they have all those gift cards, what happens after they use them up and they need cash to buy all the extras? Another thing, why does Cullen still have the fish tank with salt water? Sell it, its not a necessity right now. I think its a waste of money that could go towards paying the debts. They just don't want to face the facts that they will never be able to live like millionaires on their you tube money.

[FakingIt_MakingIt]

There is no reason they need that Suburban. The Mercedes SUV that Katies parents gave them should be all they need. Its paid for, neither one works outside the home, so all they need is one vehicle. Do they still have have that Infinity (I think thats the make) SUV? I think it was a brand Deal loaner. I believe Cullen said they pay over $800 or $900 a month for the Suburban. Thats Money they could use towards Other bills like the mortgage, keeping a roof over their heads. I agree that snacks are ok in moderation. But balanced meals, meaning meat, chicken or fish, potatoes, rice or noodles, a vegetable and side salad was our dinner. Friday was eat out or take out to give us all a break. There is no reason for these kids to be eating so much junk. They keep saying they have all those gift cards, what happens after they use them up and they need cash to buy all the extras? Another thing, why does Cullen still have the fish tank with salt water? Sell it, its not a necessity right now. I think its a waste of money that could go towards paying the debts. They just don't want to face the facts that they will never be able to live like millionaires on their you tube money.

The other SUV has since been given back, it was indeed a loaner. However, like you and many have said, they don't need 2 vehicles. And if they were to actually get jobs outside the house and need 2 vehicles they could certainly have something more affordable then the suburban. The only reason they got that suburban was so Katie could keep up with Kelly.

They only had $860 left to put towards debt (minues the $60 katie kept out for gifts) because the gift cards they were able to "budget in" for fuel and groceries. When Katie asked Dave if they should pause their debt snowball I laughed, they don't have a debt snowball. They make the minimum payments, that's it.

[LittleButThere]

I'm just going to say I am a SAHM with 2 kids. My husband works and brings home 48,000 a year after taxes.. we live in a 800sq foot home I love my little life/house and we some how are still able to save money each paycheck while still having "fun money" and student loan debt. But daanngg would I love y'alls pay checks just being real here

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I hope this goes without saying but please know that as a SAHM you’re doing the most important job that someone can have in their entire life and your 800 square foot home doesn’t define you or how much love is in your family. Keep in mind my husband and I are in the same profession but our income is also relative to our area so while it sounds like a huge amount it also costs an equally huge amount to live where we do. Yes we have a nice home (and so do you!!!) and two vehicles we paid cash for but other than that I’m sitting in a work outfit that I’ve owned since 2012 because we don’t live lavishly and want to put our daughter through college in the very near future without going into debt. You’re doing just fine honey!

Awe, you're so sweet! Yeah we live in California, so I get high price of living. But we have a 2 bedroom 1 bath and thats all we need. I love the little space because it keeps us closer as a family and 99% of the time in the same room I love being a SAHM and I am okay with how we live because we have what we need plus a little extra. Idk how they got in so much debt my only thought of getting that much money is "oh, I can get rid of these school loans" not "oh i can buy $2,000 worth of clothes i wont wear"

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[Boymomma123]

I wonder what their plan is after the gift cards run out. If I were them I would be driving as few places as possible to try and use less gas. The walmart gift cards should have been used to stock up on pull-ups, pediasure, dog food and cat food. Then they would be set for a few months and not have to budget for those things.

Katie needs to get her life together what ever happened to waking up at 5 a.m. to get things done before the kids get up?

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[LittleButThere]

I am laughing hysterically over Katie's Instagram stories about sharing their meals because someone asked her about how she meal preps.

Girlfriend gives those kids bland pasta and cheese every damn night. Her excuse is they are picky and don't eat meat. You are the parent Katie put on your big girl panties and teach your kids how to eat better!

Quit buying all that junk from the Aldi haul so your kids have no other option but to eat the meals you cook. I will never understand parents who cook different meals for their kids. My kids started to get picky and I adapted and made changes. Her excuse is always "well things are so crazy around here". Grow the hell up and make your family a priority like everyone else does. Your life is crazy because you have made it that way.

Some people have real emergencies happening in their lives yet still find time to take care of their kids properly.



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They spent more money eating out for their kids then they spend to pay for meals in their home that their kids will eat that isnt a bunch of crap.

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[lovingthisforum]

Im not even sure their kids are actually that picky, they just prefer snacky foods and know C&K will give in...Kelly was able to get Gaines to eat food that Katie swore she would never eat.
Those kids know their parents, they know theyre lazy and Gaines especially knows she runs the show.

And I doubt Brooks is picky, he even seems to like eating a lot. It's also a little too coincidental that Katie says both kids wouldn't like meat while originally this belonged to Gaines. I think that Katie uses "the kids" when it is to her convenience, like in this case where she doesn't treat Brooks as an independent individual, or like when she protects Gaines and doesn't want to call her out with negative behavior, but 30 seconds later she has no problem throwing Brooks under the bus. It's a pattern.

I don't think the house is welcoming and it doesn't have a warm family feel, it doesn't leave people with the impression that in 20 years they will view back on great memories being made here.

[lovingthisforum]

So the whole get current coloring page was BS if they didn't include the thousands they owe the IRS from 2016. I think that would have been a priority.

I was so eye rolling when she introduced themselves in the radio show with that they were in BabyStep 2. It may sound nice and as if they are a normal debt couple calling in, but no, it's not genuinly "BabyStep 2".

[FakingIt_MakingIt]

I’d be saving those gift cards for an emergency. A big medical bill, house repairs or car repairs. They don’t really have any savings to pay for these types of things so at least they could take the cash from the grocery budget to pay for the emergency and then get groceries with the gift card if they had to.

They’re in such a bad spot. I don’t understand how they’re not crapping their paints daily. They’re seriously 1 emergency away from loosing everything.

[HelloSweetie]

I’d be saving those gift cards for an emergency. A big medical bill, house repairs or car repairs. They don’t really have any savings to pay for these types of things so at least they could take the cash from the grocery budget to pay for the emergency and then get groceries with the gift card if they had to.

They’re in such a bad spot. I don’t understand how they’re not crapping their paints daily. They’re seriously 1 emergency away from loosing everything.

How long did they have the lease vehicle for? 6 months? How is it possible that the were this far in debt and unable to pay the mortgage, and yet they never took the opportunity to sell their expensive SUV that was just sitting there depreciating while they drove the loaner?

I can’t believe how irresponsible they were being!


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[mollybaby]

They should only be spending money on what they need and will eat for the week..

There’s no need to buy cheez it’s, cheese doodles, 3 bags of kettle chips, 2 cans of Pringle’s, pretzels, popcorn, Doritos. in 1 single shopping trip. That’s just crazy it me. This is an easy way to go through food way too fast.

I weekly meal plan with a set budget. I buy a grocery gift card at the the store for the amount I plan to spend on meals for the week, same amount each week. I shop based on weekly ads and use coupons as well. If I have leftover money on the gift card, I reload it the next week and deduct the amount I have left over so I always spend the same amount or less no matter what. Occasionally If I have leftover money, I’ll buy meat to freeze instead of using it for the next week. It’s been incredibly helpful. I save so much money and have never gone over my grocery budget since starting to shop this way. I only use the gift card to purchase food items. If anything, it’s made me spend way less.

It’s easy to see from this shopping trip that they don’t meal plan at all. They go in the store and buy whatever they want. They are spending so much money on crap. How can they be living like this? They have no money!! They do not get the concept of budgeting.


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[lmmomSD]

They should only be spending money on what they need and will eat for the week..

There’s no need to buy cheez it’s, cheese doodles, 3 bags of kettle chips, 2 cans of Pringle’s, pretzels, popcorn, Doritos. in 1 single shopping trip. That’s just crazy it me. This is an easy way to go through food way too fast.

I weekly meal plan with a set budget. I buy a grocery gift card at the the store for the amount I plan to spend on meals for the week, same amount each week. I shop based on weekly ads and use coupons as well. If I have leftover money on the gift card, I reload it the next week and deduct the amount I have left over so I always spend the same amount or less no matter what. Occasionally If I have leftover money, I’ll buy meat to freeze instead of using it for the next week. It’s been incredibly helpful. I save so much money and have never gone over my grocery budget since starting to shop this way. I only use the gift card to purchase food items. If anything, it’s made me spend way less.

It’s easy to see from this shopping trip that they don’t meal plan at all. They go in the store and buy whatever they want. They are spending so much money on crap. How can they be living like this? They have no money!! They do not get the concept of budgeting.


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And someone said that those snacks "could last them a month". But they don't. They shop like that every week. They buy a ton of junk and I agree, they aren't meal planning. I use the grocery pickup at Walmart, and I plan meals and see what I have on hand and what I need.
And maybe Aldi stuff is "healthier" but junk is junk. Potato chips, doritos and cheese puffs are junk. Give the kids baby carrots.
And I definitely agree with HS that people personalizing criticism of Cullen and Katie and assuming that we mean that anyone who celebrates Valentine's Day or buys a bag of Doritos is "dumb" has got to stop. Their situation is a perfect storm of denial, overspending, and caring way too much about appearances. The general assumption is that most people here have at least a basic grasp on things. I just got laid off. My family is helping me. But I am actively looking for work and not expecting them to just support me. So when people make comments about C&K relying on family to subsidize their lifestyle don't bother me, because I know my situation is different. I also cut out things like Starbucks and I drive a very old car.

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[Boymomma123]

Jeez, all these people eat are starchy carbs and some lettuce. They are all having pasta for dinner again. I am just weird because I don't make some type of pasta every night? Most nights I don't even make a carb we just do veggies and protein. How do they spend so much on groceries if all they eat is cheese and pasta.

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[FakingIt_MakingIt]

I’d be saving those gift cards for an emergency. A big medical bill, house repairs or car repairs. They don’t really have any savings to pay for these types of things so at least they could take the cash from the grocery budget to pay for the emergency and then get groceries with the gift card if they had to.

They’re in such a bad spot. I don’t understand how they’re not crapping their paints daily. They’re seriously 1 emergency away from loosing everything.

How long did they have the lease vehicle for? 6 months? How is it possible that the were this far in debt and unable to pay the mortgage, and yet they never took the opportunity to sell their expensive SUV that was just sitting there depreciating while they drove the loaner?

I can’t believe how irresponsible they were being!


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I think 6 months sounds about right, maybe a little longer.
Right? How have they done any of the things they’ve done? I’d be a nervous wreck with that kind of debt.

[mollybaby]

They should only be spending money on what they need and will eat for the week..

There’s no need to buy cheez it’s, cheese doodles, 3 bags of kettle chips, 2 cans of Pringle’s, pretzels, popcorn, Doritos. in 1 single shopping trip. That’s just crazy it me. This is an easy way to go through food way too fast.

I weekly meal plan with a set budget. I buy a grocery gift card at the the store for the amount I plan to spend on meals for the week, same amount each week. I shop based on weekly ads and use coupons as well. If I have leftover money on the gift card, I reload it the next week and deduct the amount I have left over so I always spend the same amount or less no matter what. Occasionally If I have leftover money, I’ll buy meat to freeze instead of using it for the next week. It’s been incredibly helpful. I save so much money and have never gone over my grocery budget since starting to shop this way. I only use the gift card to purchase food items. If anything, it’s made me spend way less.

It’s easy to see from this shopping trip that they don’t meal plan at all. They go in the store and buy whatever they want. They are spending so much money on crap. How can they be living like this? They have no money!! They do not get the concept of budgeting.


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And someone said that those snacks "could last them a month". But they don't. They shop like that every week. They buy a ton of junk and I agree, they aren't meal planning. I use the grocery pickup at Walmart, and I plan meals and see what I have on hand and what I need.
And maybe Aldi stuff is "healthier" but junk is junk. Potato chips, doritos and cheese puffs are junk. Give the kids baby carrots.
And I definitely agree with HS that people personalizing criticism of Cullen and Katie and assuming that we mean that anyone who celebrates Valentine's Day or buys a bag of Doritos is "dumb" has got to stop. Their situation is a perfect storm of denial, overspending, and caring way too much about appearances. The general assumption is that most people here have at least a basic grasp on things. I just got laid off. My family is helping me. But I am actively looking for work and not expecting them to just support me. So when people make comments about C&K relying on family to subsidize their lifestyle don't bother me, because I know my situation is different. I also cut out things like Starbucks and I drive a very old car.

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Yes! I completely agree with everything you said.

Everything said on here pertains to Cullen and Katie’s situation only. We only know what they tell us of their finances and debt so having an opinion on whether or not they should spend money on Valentine’s Day, fun money, groceries, it only has to do with what we know about their current situation. It’s not meant to criticize anyone on here that spends their money on the same things. Nobody knows anyone’s financial situation here and nobody is judging anyone on here!

Cullen and Katie are still living and buying in excess. Overstuffing envelopes is not budgeting and neither is buying 10+ bags of junk food.


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