How can you accomplish this? Well, for starters, you should come up with a budget. Know exactly how much money you have, what you need for monthly expenses, what you need for long-term savings goals (think retirement), and what you can play with. That's right. You should have some money leftover to spend. Of course, you have to consider emergency money in case something happens like the car breaks down or you need a new hot water heater. Keep those funds on reserve for the unthinkable or unexpected. Still, you should manage to keep a little for yourselves.
My husband and I use a piggy bank to store leftover change and some of this spending money to which I refer to above. When the pig is full, we bring it to the bank to change the coins to bills and deposit our total in our account. But we earmark those funds for fun. When we've saved enough, we use that money to take a vacation or purchase something we both would really like to have (which is usually a vacation for us).
Your husband will have to compromise, too. Put spending limits on gifts and stick with them because, after all, it is really the thought that counts. Make him understand that you can take a vacation - and you are willing to put money aside every month to save for one - but you might not be able to do it every year or it can't always be an expensive getaway. Sometimes, a car trip a few hours away at a reasonably priced hotel can be just as much fun as five-star luxury in an exotic locale. The pleasure is really derived from the company. Of course, don't finance any of this fun with money you don't have. If you can't afford a trip or a gift, come up with creative ways to have fun or celebrate. Stay home for an entire weekend and watch movies or cook for one another. Or make presents for each other. Money shouldn't be the key to happiness anyway.
