I want to make the case for keeping a 'fun money' allocation in your budget, because the frugality internet sometimes forgets why money exists.

For the past 4 years I've maintained a $300/month 'yours, mine, and ours' structure for discretionary spending. My spouse and I each have $150/month that we spend on whatever we want without any accountability to the other person or the budget system.

This has eliminated the majority of budget-related friction in our relationship. There's no negotiation over whether the craft supplies or the gaming purchase was 'worth it.' Each person's allocation is pre-authorized and unquestionable.

The broader principle: sustainable financial systems include intentional enjoyment of money. A budget that's so tight there's nothing pleasurable to spend on will eventually fail. Build the fun in as a line item, not a reward you earn by being perfect with everything else.