Thank you all for such great content - this is really helpful!
Angie, Laura - My husband and I have an agreement: I don't ask how much he spends on cycyling equipment, and he doesn't ask how much I spend on clothes!
RunCarla, and Sterling - I bow to you your budgeting expertise. I used to be much more meticulous, and still do a solid job on the over all household requirements. It's the extras that don't get managed, and maybe need some attention
JenniNZ - would love to hear your further thoughts. It actually might be a good separate thread - how did your family influence your approach? Or broader, how do you approach wardrobe when you hit a financial downturn?
CardiffGirl - I LOVE the idea of a joy budget. Definitely going to play with that one!
Suz and Lisa P - kudos on finding the way to manage multiple jobs to support your goals.
Isabel and Staysfit - I really like the idea of a separate bank account.
SarahDS - You brought up exactly what I've wondered about. Would a more clear budget help me either feel more comfortable spending, or remove some of the times where I buy 5 cheaper things when 1 more expensive one would be a better fit.
Great ideas friends - keep them coming!