I was filling up my truck one day and a lady next to me was doing the same. She was talking about how much gas costs. I told her," You know what costs more than gas per gallon?" She was drinking a bottled water, she had paid around $10 a gallon for bottled water.
I hate the way that bottled water is often your only option. When we were kids every gas station had a water fountain, usually chilled water. Free for the drinking. Water fountains are history at gas stations, so travelers have to buy bottled water.
I am fiscally. Every dollar that comes into our home has a name and a purpose, and we don't deviate from that. We always budget for our entertainment activities, and the kids extras as well.
I've never actually operated on a budget. But I've always inherently lived within my means and mostly have had enough to save and invest too. I know budgets are smart and probably essential when multiple people are involved. But I've never had the patience for them. I was raised by frugal people and it comes naturally. I use stuff until it breaks or wears out, I care nothing about being "fashionable", and I gain satisfaction from activities that are not terribly costly. It has enabled me to spend money whenever I care to because I trust my own judgement now. I never second-guess myself or fret over regrets. Its good to be the King.
You sound like an adherent of the Dave Ramsey Financial Freedom philosophy. I wish I had heard about him years ago but like @red55 said I never have been one to stay on such a strict budget that every dollar had a name (Aren't they all named George?) But Dude. lighten up just a little bit. In another post you said you were working 80 hours a week. You probably have your own business. I don't know of many employers who would allow somebody to work 80 hours and have to pay them for 40 hours of overtime. What good is it to have enough to retire at 45 if you have a massive coronary at 44? Your business won't go to hell if you take a few spontaneous hours off sometime just to take your kids fishing or whatever you like to do. Don't preplan it. Just Do It. You will feel better for it
