I have never been on a budget in my life...or needed one...not that I am rich or anything close to that...but both my husband and I learned from our immigrant parents who arrived to this country with nothing...my mothe never worked, my parents had 6 kids, my father was the sole provider...no such thing as a budget... paid for the house first, as fast as possible, then bought the necessities...food, clothing, other bills...never owned a credit card...we have done the same..anything that goes on credit card will be paid the next month...doesn't get purchased unless there is money to pay for it...never interest payments...spend carefully, and if there is money left over, save some and spend a little on "extra's"...it has worked so far...