Originally Posted by Marvelous Marv

I'm glad you liked it. Suggested verbiage would be something like, "I"m sorry, but I just can't make it on that much of a pay cut. If you could see your way clear to a starting salary of xxxx, with raises of yyy every three months after that, I could make that work."

Don't be surprised if they counter your counter. And, like I said, be prepared for them to say no.

You're in a good position with her being employed already. Have you thought about what you'll do if she accepts the job, gives her two-weeks' notice at her present job, and her employer offers her a substantial raise to stay?