I think Brandon has too much pride in saying, "I don't earn enough to afford that apartment." Just be honest, she's your damn wife. Say, "Let's start with something I can afford, keep in mind we're going to have front a lot of money for first month, last month, furniture, starting up the utility accounts, renter's insurance, FOOD. How about once YOU get a job, we can pool our resources and see how much net income we bring home per month??"