I have no control over what their spouses do either. They'll learn by sad experience when they can't pay their bills due to overspending on unnecessary stuff. Also, I don't begrudge them if they want to spend their hard earned money on something special, that's their right or privilege.
Sometimes we need to treat ourselves for putting in the hard work. Its when the hard work or smart work wasn't exerted that probably needs an adjustment.
I have a son in I.T. and he is very smart in math as in other things. But he had to pay a price when he did goof off in high school, by attending summer school and night classes to graduate. But our family was a mess anyway, especially me after losing a son to suicide. So we all have our battles to fight and they aren't always going to be pretty.
Yep, the USA definitely has a problem with pride and they are suffering because of it. You're going to make it...

As for church, maybe the one with the big screen is not the right church for you. Why don't you start investigating other churches around you or farther away. Search the scriptures...and just go somewhere where you can be alone in your thoughts and just talk to God or Heavenly Father as you would a loving father who cares about you. I think you just might get some answers to your questions or some guidance in the paths you should choose.
Hang in there...you're going to be okay. I have faith in you.
