Agreed. I have a slightly different model for financial planning. I plan around macros instead of micros. I'm a scatter brained person, so Type-A systems don't

Agreed. I have a slightly different model for financial planning. I plan around macros instead of micros. I'm a scatter brained person, so Type-A systems don't work as well for me. I don't have a family, so there are only a few numbers I need to remember. Those are the numbers I plan around. Costs = rent + car + food + subscriptions. So I live with roommates, take public transportation, try to cook at home, generally avoid alcohol and stick to ($$) 2 dollar sign level restaurants. I don't really track anything, but make sure that I live within the sandbox I have defined for myself. Similarly, I have kept my investing strategy simple. Max out 401k + HSA immediately (ESPP if avilable) & never withdraw your stock vest (I do rebalance). That way I guarantee pretty hefty lower bound on my annual savings. Soon, I will be unable to count my major investments & spends on my fingers. At that point, I will absolutely be taking your advice.