I don't have a budget technically. For too many years when the kids were growing up I had to pinch pennies. Now that it is just me, if I want something I get it. But I still buy fabric on sale unless I need something specific to finish a quilt. I don't travel, and pay my credit card off at the end of every month. Only use it when it is easier than carrying a large amount of money, like buying dog food (2 BIG dogs), vet bills (Gus's surgery) etc. I know how much money I can spend each month and am careful not to go over that. I hang laundry out when I can, hit "cancel" on the dry cycle of the dishwasher, do laundry with cold water, save my dehumidifier water to water plants, fill fish tank etc. Also have rain barrels to water the flowers.