How do you "just say no"?

Sharon, I was just talking with a friend about finances in marriage/relationships, and she said something that can be successful is strictly budgeting money. One way is to establish exactly how much you need to pay the bills, buy groceries, pay rent/mortgage, do whatever for the kids, etc. Then what is left is broken down into savings, tithes, and "fun money." Each person gets an allotted amount of "fun money" per month - dependent on how much money you actually have to spare. And then each person can use that fun money for whatever they want without criticism from their partner. So if you want to go out and buy a new outfit, you buy it with your fun money, and your partner can't say anything. But, you can't exceed that assigned fun money. I liked the sound of the idea and that way there is still some flexibility to make some fun purchases and it's equal between both partners!

But ultimately, you're right, of course - this is a symptom of a bigger problem. I'll continue praying in this area!