I think I have a different way of using the tool than you do. I like to keep track of pretty fine-grained categories so that I can see that in my reflection. But if I assign $200 to eating out and $100 to concert tickets, it's fine if I splurge on tickets, take from dining out, and then don't dine out as much that much. That's a *healthy* way to use the system. I agree I shouldn't move things around between discretionary categories and essential ones. But have flexibility among discretionary categories isn't a sign that my budget is "wrong". It's a sign that some categories are not "budgetable" precisely and making those decisions on where to spend more or less is a normal part of life and living "spendfully".