We don’t really “budget” either. BUT, before I retired I tracked everything I spent for a couple of years, to help convince myself I (we) would be fine. I still keep track of most things, but I’m not as good as it. Reason I say I is bc husband and I don’t really share money (but we would certainly help each other out if it became necessary).
When we were both working husband tracked every penny (of his money), and I let’s just say, didn’t. (Early on we realized we had very different styles of managing money). However, husband would 100% agree that when it comes to important financial stuff, I am much better than he is.
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DD1 doesn’t use a spreadsheet.
She somehow figured out intuitively, that her budget works best if we pay.
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A savant!
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LOL- Can’t blame her for economizing (on her money).
Reminds me of a story I told just yesterday about son’s semester abroad in Singapore. We agreed to pay all expenses that he logged in his spreadsheet. (sidebar: tuition was an exchange, paid by his college. but the room and cafeteria meals were soooo much cheaper than his college! made it easier for us to underwrite his travels). He is very fair, and with all the humidity he seemed to go through a lot of sunblock. For a while hubby and I joked that sunblock must be “code” for beer.
That’s what happened once my daughter moved from dorms to a Manhattan apartment.
My stipulation was that she would submit “expense reports” (basically, stash her receipts in a drawer and bring home next time) for meals, grocery, etc. to be attached to a simple spread sheet and thus serve as “backup” for her receiving 529 reimbursements.
Even though she started including bagel stores, coffee shops, restaurants – and even the liquor store (“But Dad, it does have carbs!” 
), she never got close to the higher cost of the equivalent meal plans.
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I told D that when my Amazon Prime account (that she has access to) switches the default address to her it’s time to give me some Venmo love 
. I don’t mind her using my Prime but sometimes need to call her out on it.
She makes a very good salary/commission, but we live in a high COL area (we’re happy she’s stayed local) plus she has a very pricy hobby. She too spreadsheets her budget and is bullish for saving.
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Same here. We don’t really track our money except to check the credit card statement. We’re not big spenders, so the amount is roughly the same every month. If it’s high one month, there’s always a reason and it’s on the statement.
I recently had my lowest water bill in my house after 22 years. Could it be something to do with the fact that I have two less females in the house. Inquiring minds would like to know.
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My son was the one who took a shower until the water became cold.
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Re: kids budgeting…one of mine uses my Panera rewards, my REI points, my Staples rewards.
In other words: You might be spending too much at Paneras, REI and Staples? 
I don’t spend much at Panera, REI or Staples. My husband spends at Staples and REI. Every year on your birthday, you get a free beverage from Panera. I’ve never gotten mine. I go maybe twice a year (and always the month of my birthday to see…).
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This rings so true to me. My daughter is self admittedly cheap. Her favorite way to budget is to have me foot the bill and use my rewards points. She now shares my reward account at the grocery store she goes to. We also share a CVS rewards account. I am happy to put coupons/savings on these accounts for her.
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lol - I’d call that double dipping.
My son would say he’s not cheap, he’s fiscally conservative.
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