They were both spending a lot until finally they had quite a bit of debt, a huge house, and all the trappings of a pseudo-successful lifestyle, until they set down together and created a common dream. That dream for them was that they wanted to move to a small town and start a school for children. Once they had that, their spending got into alignment. They had something to work toward together that was bigger than their daily gratification. The biggest issue is that couples who have something bigger keeping them together tend to spend far less recklessly.
Spending can become a reason for being without that.
My guess is that he's not feeling fulfilled in the rest of his life and the two of you have not sat down and worked out what your reason is for being together. It may be that you want to retire early or whatever. You may want your own business, etc. There are several books on this subject. I profile in my book how couples have come together on this issue.