Husband doesn't understand money's value

[Pooja]

Me (28) and husband (33) have a really great relationship. He is a good person, in fact a little too much.

He leads a very laid‑back life. His parents are comfortable and he has a fulfilling job with a good income, so he has never had to think much about money.

My parents built their life from scratch, were very frugal, and now they're comfortable and even spoil me and my daughter.

My husband invests very little and spends a lot on clothes, food, experiences. I'm posting because he bought a ₹25,000 TV as a house‑warming gift for a relative he doesn't even like. His mother suggested the TV. He told me the budget was ₹10‑15k. I didn't think much of it, but once he got to the store, sales pressure led him to almost pay ₹25,000.

Usually I go with him, check the bills and bargain, but since I'm freshly postpartum I skipped it. I insisted over the phone that it was unnecessary and asked him not to buy it. His logic was that if we're gifting a TV it should be a good one. My view is there are hundreds of other house‑warming gifts within our budget, and even his mother would agree it's too much.

The main issue is that once he researches a product he feels he must buy it. This isn't sustainable, but I don't know how to make him understand. I don't want him to be frugal, just smart with money. Please advise how to handle this behavior.

[Shruti]

If you share your net worth and earnings, we can gauge how reckless spending ₹25,000 on a relative's gift is. For a family worth crores, a ₹25,000 present isn't likely to threaten financial security.

[Arpita]

This may not be the perfect forum, but since you've just had a baby, it's crucial to sit down and discuss finances before things spiral. Planning for your child's future should help him understand the importance of budgeting.

[Tejas]

Your worry is valid. Try talking sense into him; he may gradually understand. In the end, though, it's his money to spend.

[Divya]

I get why this worries someone who built wealth from nothing – I'm right there with you.

If your husband has a huge inheritance, it might be fine. I know friends who spend most of their income because they don't need to worry about building wealth. No real harm.

[Akshara]

I agree that splurging on gifts isn't ideal, but it's hard to judge without knowing your household income. Could you share some numbers so we can see how big a dent ₹25,000 is?

[Indrajit]

My wife is just like your husband, and I'm in the same situation – similar backgrounds.

If you ever find a solution, please share.

The irony is I earn well, but not enough, so my wife is happy with the lifestyle and gifts she wants, and I end up stressed about money. Discussing it never seems to help.

I'd love to hear any concrete advice you get.

[Chiranjit]

My dad used to do the same and my mom wasn't happy, but he learned from his mistakes. You just need to keep reminding him and stay firm.

[Dev]

It's often like that – one generation builds wealth, the next tends to spend it away.

[Imtiaz]

I'm middle‑class; a ₹25,000 TV as a house‑warming gift feels too much. I've only ever gotten a wall clock for such occasions.

[Ayaan]

Unless his spending is causing problems, let your husband handle his own money.