I agree with many of the other replies. I think quilters are fugal and practical by nature so we tend to balance our lives well. I give up in other areas of my life by choice; designer clothes, too many shoes, parties, eating out, or truly luxury items, etc. So the money I spend on quilting is my therapy, love, pleasure, passion (whatever you might call it) and I balance it with the other needs of the family. As long as we have a comfortable home, reliable car, decent clothes (yes, many from thrifts or consignment stores) and good fresh food to eat, I do not feel guilty about my fabric purchases. Quilting makes me a happier person, so my family benefits in many ways that cannot be counted by the dollar sign.