PinkCosmos, "I don't understand why some people always react with 'dump him' when someone posts with a problem with their OH. What happened to loyalty and working through things together. Obviously this would not apply if there was violence or abuse involved".
I agree with what you said. If we all left our OHs every time there was an issue, most of us would be divorced by now!
Sounds like you still love your DH, and you still want to be married to him. But you obviously need to give him a few home truths about his reluctance to sort out your finances/mortgage, and get it paid off, so you can both eventually retire and not have to worry about it!
My parents had very little money in their early days, and when my Dad started to earn a good salary, he liked to spend money, was overly generous, and never bothered to save. He liked to enjoy himself and thought the money would last forever! Years later, they got into difficulties financially, and lost our home. Mum & Dad adored each other, and stuck together through the hard times. Eventually, my Mum took over the running of the finances, and they managed to buy another home. Their experiences have always stuck with me, and made me realise how important it is to be financially secure.
My DH and I recently paid off our mortgage, and I can't begin to tell you what a relief it is, to know that the house is all ours.
As far as the invites to BBQs are concerned, I totally understand your annoyance, but that's small fry! I have a DH who sometimes does the same, but I now make him help with all the preparations! Just tell him yes, they can come, but he can do the shopping and all the prepping, or at least you agree to do it all together, otherwise the invite is off, as you're fed up doing everything yourself! Be assertive, and don't back down!!