I don't have a budget in traditional sense (Excel table with spending categories and amounts allocated for each, with regularly updated actual spent amounts). I

I don't have a budget in traditional sense (Excel table with spending categories and amounts allocated for each, with regularly updated actual spent amounts). I just look at the balance of my checking account when I get the statement. If it goes down month over month, I know I need to cut spending. Everything else is automated: scheduled transfers to savings, recurring mortgage payments, autopay for credit cards, etc.