I did not forget about this thread, only been busy.

To answer your question, HappyCrafter...budgeting money is simple, yet somehow it seems so unattainable.

I am not the person who "sets aside a few dollars here and there". I've tried and only found myself dipping into it because hey, this pressing matter is why I've saved aimlessly in the first place.

I have to have an end goal in mind or why bother saving. But once I commit to that goal, I am relentless on focusing on that goal and constantly reminding myself why I'm saving in the first place and where I'd be if I didn't. It takes a lot of discipline, but to have an immediate end goal in mind that means something to you and has a date to say "I'll be saving XYZ until Christmas" is important. Having a date is important because it helps figure out how much you need to save every paycheck. And it's okay to not reach that goal in time, but if you never started where would you be?

Sorry, I felt that wasn't helpful. My mind is so restless today.