[Haku]

This is from a long time ago, but I'd like to comment on it anyways.

Unless I missed it, one should always set aside a percentage of every paycheck to go towards saving / investing. That way, you can still live "within your means" without taking saving out of the equation.

Ideally though, one should enjoy saving as much as they do spending. This subtle adoption and change in attitude is perhaps even more important than budgeting itself.

Personally, I set aside anywhere from 20% to 40% of my paycheck towards saving and investing. It just depends on my expenses between each pay period. I always push towards setting as much aside as I can, and the more I can set aside, the more it makes me cackle with glee. The point is that I don't think I would have set aside as much if I didn't find joy in it.

At the very least, one should learn to set aside a bare minimum. Perhaps something as easy as direct depositing 10% of their paycheck straight into a savings / money market and pretending it doesn't exist can be a great way to start.

Just my humble opinions.