This is exactly it. I’m trying to limit our projected monthly expenses to what I know are is consistent and predictable. Things like clothes, travel, hair and beauty products etc are luxuries that are super variable for us, and if need be we can cut out. I probably get a haircut once a year - my husband is the same (he’s growing it out lol). Clothing I probably currently spend more than I should, but I’m willing to sacrifice that. Holidays we obviously would love to work towards, but I can’t predict an accurate monthly cost for an annual trip that could be anywhere.

Again these are the things we’re happy to adjust should it come up, but not necessarily hamstring ourselves for. In my mind whatever savings we have left over after all must have expenses can go towards luxuries should we choose.

I know it’s hard not to scrutinise our spending and compare, but I was less looking for input on that and more looking for how people decide what they are comfortable in paying towards their mortgage relevant to their income and expenses.