But we have never done any budgeting yet have always made sure we spent less than we take in. If that delta is not easy to see for some, this idea may not be good.

When we first married and both undergrads, back when dinosaurs roamed the earth, we both worked part time at department stores and brought home about $400 per month combined. Our rent for a one bedroom furnished apartment was $125. etc. We lived on about $360.

What I advocated here we taught to our children and grandchildren. We do avoid debt like the plague. Mortgages are pretty common, though we haven't had one in 30 years, but have never financed an automobile, use credit cards but pay them off monthly, etc.

It's our way and it has worked well, though your question for the first time since I've preached this view, gives me pause. It's not obvious to you and others so maybe it has to do with being good with numbers. IDK.

But I have never had that question before. Perhaps I haven't been listening.

Another factor is we are both naturally frugal. Maybe that enables this idea.