I hear this far too often...People spending like there's an unlimited supply of money. We tend to be planners too though, like you. We think things through, work out the viability, the need and the benefit of things before we go ahead and buy them. It helps that 70% of our entertainment is free as stated in the post, outdoorsy stuff mostly. We both have good incomes and solid savings and investment plans which come first, before the entertainment. I was clear to mention that in the post because putting entertainment first isn't smart.
I know many who have struggled financially in the past, and have had to budget, then go off the tracks when a little extra money comes along. It seems they forget their good habits in preference for the instant gratification of spending. It's not the best way to go, but many do it.
Our entertainment spending as per this post is the smallest part of our budget with the greatest part being saving and investment so we feel we are doing ok. Besides, we have the ability emotionally, to cut of those things if they became a drain. I know many who would not. In fact I know someone who cut off their health insurance to maintain their pay TV. Lol. Insanity. Just for perspective, I have extras cover for health, no private hospital cover, and that costs me $1000 a year and my wife's is the same...So you can see how the entertainment costs compare fairly well in comparison.
Thanks for commenting, much appreciated.
!ENGAGE 25
Well, people get crazy about some things. Like way too crazy over the hype of entertainment.
And I saw your budget and it looked like a reasonable approach to entertainment. I like the natural way in regards to that, but then again I'm limited to the things I can enjoy here.
Everyone has different needs and requirements. Faith and I manage to find a balance between most things. We don't over-spend and neither do we over-watch TV. Our lives are fairly balanced between many things.