Wow - $350 seems like a lot. (do you mean combined?)
It depends. Are you willing to give her a bigger allowance and take a smaller one because this is so important to her, and you could afford it? I think something to consider. OF course, only if you feel comfortable with it. But sometimes compromises like this are really the only answer.
For us, when it comes to big purchases, we don't really divvy everything up 50/50. I don't really do many big purchases and my spouse does. But it just works for us. As long as we agree and it doesn't break the budget. (I Also know some day when I want a big purchase, that dh will have to allow me it - it would only be fair. One reason I don't mind so much).
As far as allowances, we both take $50/month, and that is all we can really swing lately. Similar salary, but kids and lots of expenses. My dh tends to just save his allowance up for his bigger purchases, and uses Christmas money. IT works.
I meet my friends all the time and eat first, and then just order a soda or an appetizer. Because there is no way eating out like they do fits in my budget, but it's the compromise we have. Some of my struggling friends agree to eat for lunch with coupons, instead of a more expensive dinner. With time it is funny how many of my friends start to follow my lead. Some of them admitted they appreciate other ideas of getting together without spending so much. (In the past they seemed to have bottomless pocketbooks, but most of them are really struggling. They just have no concept of budget). Your wife may be surprised if she tried a smaller budget. I think she imagines she would be ridiculed, but she may be pleasantly surprised.
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