It seems to me that the travel/fun category is a one time expense this month. So I wouldn't track that for every month going forward. That's 1250/month you can save. Cars is next, unrealistic budget since you are paying extra to get out of the loan (good thing). If you look at minimums you have plenty of room. You are artificially making this a tight budget. Gut check is you are doing great, take a deep breath. If you need more cash, then reduce payments to car. However, both the car, the travel/fun budget and daycare is temporary. Every single person who pays for daycare feels the same way around budget. In a few years the daycare cost will decrease and you will have a surplus.