Abu Hurayrah RA reported: Messenger of Allah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam said, "A Dinar you spend in Allah's way, or to free a slave, or as a charity you give to a needy person, or to support your family, the one yielding the greatest reward is that which you spend on your family". [Muslim]

Commentary: A Muslim is ordained to spend first of all on the need of his wife and children and their food and clothes. There is greater reward for him in this because these expenses are obligatory on him while spending on other items is in the nature of Nawafil. Obviously, one cannot forego the former for the latter.