I love budgets. I love reading about budgets. I love re-working budgets. I love reading about other people's real-life budgets.
Because of the way I get paid, it took several years, if not decades to manage the income. I made the mistake (often) of thinking I had more momey that I actually had, because of the date my paycheck hit the bank. Sometimes payday fell on the first and third week of the month and sometimes it fell on the second and forth week of the month. Same amount of money, but I just couldn't get a rhythm to pay those first of the month bills plus save plus be prepared for unexpected expenses all at the same time.

I've pulled ideas from many (many!) money books. After years in 'research and development', I currently have the most decent plan I've had. For years, the problem has been this: On paper I can work magic. But the actual greenbacks...not so much.

Now I start with gross pay and account for all deductions and automatic savings allotments from my net pay. This helps me see how much I pay in taxes, health insurance, etc. Then I have 'fixed' categories that I write checks for (giving, mortgage, utilities, insurance and medical expenses). Then I have 'flexible' categories that I use cash for (groceries, household supplies, entertainment, clothes and the kid. Clothes and entertainmenet don't always get fully funded.) I use my debit card for gas and occasional planned expenses.
(The 'freedom account' that I mentioned in a previous entry helps with the unexpected or non-monthly expenses.)

My mind works 'monthly', but I get paid biweekly. I've just begun to do what I guess I'd call a paycheck assignment sheet every payday. I plan and deduct what bills I pay with each current paycheck and project expenses for the next paycheck. We pay the majority of our bills the first half of the month. The second half of the month I can focus on saving. With each paycheck I 'assign each dollar a destination.' (Dave Ramsey) This has helped out quite a bit in avoiding overdrafts and forgotten expenses and my waiting for the magic to happen and the monthly budget to work itself out. Who knew?

Still needs improvement and work. Trying to add 'cushion savings' as one of my fixed expenses right off the top. And also since I'm not currently paying a car payment, I'd love to eek out a monthly car payment equivalent to $300 (!!) payable to my savings for a future car purchase, but I've looked EVERYWHERE for that extra $300 and have yet to find it. And with the kid in college, I keep adjusting the numbers. With life in general, I'll be adjusting the numbers...I guess, forever? But that's fine with me.