[rloc]

I don't understand how people manage to log every purchase they make and keep on a budget (this app is no different). I find it so inefficient and time consuming. I can't even plan a budget.

I prefer to focus on how much money I can actually save every month. Much simpler and easier to manage. Best is to put that money aside on the 1st of each month and see if you can stick to it.

Then choosing what to spend less on to improve that saving every month is by questioning the usefulness of the purchase (Will I use it? Will it make me happier? Will it improve my productivity? Will it allow me to create wealth? etc.).

Try to keep your living standard below what your income could afford. On the long run you'll save money and live happier.

[galfarragem]

My method is similar: Monthly I fill a spreadsheet with my "book value". If my "book value" keeps growing, everything is ok.

[bcook]

I probably live a very different type of life-style, but your method is how I budget. I save everything I can, then only worry about (budget) the expensive items, of which there are only a dozen or so per month.

I highly doubt that my method would scale well if I had more income, though.

I dunno about the happier part, because my friends who live beyond their means sure seem happier! ;)