When I was married, we earned right about twice as much money as I take home now, and we were always, completely, utterly broke.
After the big D and with the new and improved model, we live like kings, and always have money left over in the budget. Even after making extra payments on the mortgage. We pay for the cars with cash, no loans of any kind other than the mortgage, and it will be paid off in four years.
Still have money to take European vacations and such every other year, and are helping my daughter go to grad school.
We do have a budget, down to the penny, and keep to it. Even with over $4,500 in unexpected medical bills in the last six months, we're on track. Exactly.
