livedebtfree

Here is a simple method I follow that prevents me from draining my check book every month. It is called the "envelope system" and is used for all of your variable expenses.

Buy a box of envelopes and label each one with a category like: Gas, Eating Out, Movies, Haircuts, Stamps, Dry Cleaning, etc.

Then estimate how much you spend for each category. Every payday place just enough money in each envelope. When the envelope is empty you are done until the next refill.