Buying by rationalization is different from impulse buying. We should think of purchases in terms of trade offs. Most of us can't afford everything we want, so choices must be made. Every family has its own system of handling the details of its finances. Some systems are excellent, some barely exist.
Some women spend more time clipping and filing recipes than they spend on family finances.
On the other hand, some men spend more time on hobbies than they spend on money management. Ideally, both spouses should be familiar with the family financial affairs, even if one person tends to details. They put away resources to use when needed. Financial counselors report many financial problems are the result of an unexpected event such as a hospital stay, car accident, or job loss. Although unforeseen and unavoidable, financial distress or disaster can occur when there are no savings to fall back on.