Two months ago, Steve and Mary agreed to cut back on expenses and personal spending so they could save up for a “fun or getaway” weekend every three months. They decided to drop down to basic cable service, set minutes on their cell phones, buy groceries only from a set list, and avoid purchases of new products unless agreed upon by both ahead of time.

What a relief they both felt! Finally, they agreed to cut down expenses so their credit card bill wouldn’t scare them into bankruptcy.

Ah! The weekend arrives. Last chance to see Cirque du Soleil. New hot Italian restaurant opens with free appetizers -“We gotta eat, honey.” And Mary notices a new Vizio TV (on sale – last chance!) and Steve sees in the Sport section, – barbecues are 50% off. “What a great time to buy one before they this spring!”

Ah, the mail arrives later that month. Mary opens the bill: Cirque du Soleil was $150, dinner was $225,and the VIZIO TV was $1,200 with a payment plan of $89 a month at 22% interest. And the Barbecue was $635. (Only with rebate will he get the 50% discount).

Screaming at the top of her lungs. she tells Steve: “How can I live like this! You don’t love me, you love things. That’s why we’re in debt!” And Steve, of course, blames it all on her. “You’re the one who wanted the TV, the Cirque tickets and the restaurant. And I bought the barbecue for you!”

Are you both arguing over money? Has the economy increased your tension level at work & home? Are you having a hard time budgeting? How do men & women view spending?

Call in Monday night to GenderlySpeaking.com, 6PM PST to find some answers. You can e-mail questions in RIGHT now at talk@genderlyspeaking.com or http://www.genderlyspeaking.com/Weekly_TeleSeminars.php