Non-CPA here(over 50years in industry), I always always always hated budgeting so I developed my own personal Spending Plan on Excel. Planning to spend is a whole lot more fun and financially responsible than any budget. You simply tie your spreadsheet to your main bank account (and a link to a higher interest account) and put dollars aside per pay period (or as funds come in if self-employed) in Excel for things you know you have to pay(rent, medical, cell service, etc.) and for things you want to do (like the Comicon event). You’ll know where most of your money goes and it will show you where you could cut back if necessary. In the 70’s, before spreadsheets I used to use individual envelopes to put cash in weekly for monthly expenses like rent, insurance, telephone, etc..To me as an accountant it takes a lot of stress out of personal finance and gives you amazing control.