[hef19898]

Yeah, that's what we do as well. After the first couple of years in my first job, during which I spent a little bit more on stuff I couldn't afford before (sport equipment and such) but within my means, we stopped spending at a level below what our combined salaries would allow. It's a nice feeling to have enough buffer for a couple of months. And the opportunity to opt for a lower salary without any financial risk. Generally sound advice to live below ones means. And stay there.

EDIT: One thing that helped a lot in doing so was to treat any bonuses, whether that is stock, years end bonuses or any variable salary elements, as just that. A bonus. Don't plan with it as part of your salary, put it aside. And only use it for stuff, like, a house. Or true emergencies.

Also, have a separate bank account at different bank. Put every month, even a small sum is enough, on that account. Every month. Every year. And never look at that account, ever. Until the world is to end and you need cash. Until that point, don't even think about that account, never ever. Forget it is there.