I suppose it has a lot to do with how much you need vs. what you can put off AND if spending it puts you into debt or near it. I spend more than I should but so far we can eat the costs though H still gives me talks about it. I'll do better a few months then downslide.

And heck, some months just ARE more expensive. I asked H how much I should spend on my nephew's graduation gift for his party next month, and he was like $100, and I needed more watercolor color choices, but I didn't go buy premium. When the cats need the vet or (God forbid need Revolution flea medication which is a minor fortune) spending goes up. If I need dishwashing tablets, laundry detergent (H does not want me to change as my daughter once had an allergic reaction when I tried once and he complained about the scent the other time), paper towels, toilet paper, sanitary supplies or even (and this is sad) fresh fuits and vegetables, the grocery bill is expensive. And EVERYTHING goes up, up, up. Not a week goes by when prices go up and the coupons save less. H ironically spends the most on clothes and shoes, but he needs to dress nicely when he goes into work and feels obligated to for webcam work meetings. Some months ALL my prescriptions refill and that's $100 right there. A car breaks down, well there's zero public transportation here; ride your bike you are just asking to get hit by a car, not many places you can get to by bike, maybe the grocery store & Walmart.