TMC, it's great to budget ahead. I would suggest, though, if you have not already thought of it, that you budget ahead for some bigger-ticket expenses. For example, a four-figure property tax bill arrives on our doorstep twice a year. Not the kind of payment we can swing in a random month and not the kind that can be put off, either. Car and house repairs also fit into this category. You may already be doing this. But, if not, month-to-month could yield some real surprises.