You forgot life is messy
Something will come up. Always. We have been living the budget life for 10 years and we’ve never had a month where nothing came up. We’ve never had a month where we didn’t have to account for an unexpected expense. This is life and it’s unpredictable. So be prepared for an unexpected copay or a birthday party or a field trip or what have you.
You didn’t include annual expenses
Crap! Did you forget your auto insurance or upcoming sports fees for soccer? When bills are not monthly expenditures they get lost in the flow of life. I recommend setting up some sort of system to remind yourself.
You’re being too restrictive
You have to include fun. Even if it’s going to Sonic during happy hour or buying a $5 iced coffee. Give yourself a little room.
What about you? Leave me a comment and tell me your struggle.