[TechnoViking]

I have a rough budget on a spreadsheet. All the monthly stuff that is predictable (mortgage, day care, utilities, trash, insurance, gym dues, gas, cell phone, etc.) are subtracted from my paycheck. 401K and another savings account is taken off the top.

So what's left over is X dollars, and it's reasonably consistent every month. I kind of keep track in my head about how much of X I am spending week to week, including any toy purchases or other unexpected expenses.