Can we talk about how people think a budget means you can't have fun?
I used to think that way too, until my friend in Denver showed me her plan where she puts $50 a month into a 'fun fund'... it's separate from bills and savings. Now she can go to a concert or get takeout without feeling guilty, because the money is already set aside. How do you guys make sure your budget has room for the good stuff?
My cousin in Austin does something similar. He calls it his "hobby line" and budgets a flat $75 a month for it. Last month it went to new guitar strings and a couple of used records. Seeing that made me add a "random fun" category to my own budget. It's only $30, but it covers little things like a fancy coffee or renting a movie, so I don't feel like every single dollar is spoken for.
Oh man, that's smart. My wife and I have a "no questions asked" cash fund of like twenty bucks each per pay period. Last Friday mine bought a weird hot sauce and a used paperback thriller. It just feels good to spend it without overthinking.