If you are like me, you struggle with the personal budget. Sure, I have several years of data stored in Quicken and can run any number of reports about how and where our family spends money, but that's where the power of Quicken ends in my household. Every month I make the same observation - spent too much on eating out and clothes. What do I do about it? Absolutely nothing! Now, I know that's not very responsible; however, in my case, these small indulgences are not the real financial killers. It's the big ticket items that have the most punch. Such items include the mortgage, car payment, and any other big ticket purchase that you really really want. Fortunately, we got those items right. First, we live in a modest house in a great neighborhood. Second, we drive our cars for 9 to 10 years. Finally, we've resisted splurging on luxury items like boats, vacation homes, etc. We live below our means and that is the real reason we are not budget constrained. Buying the biggest houses, driving new cars every few years and filling our homes with toys will consume the majority of our take-home pay and that's the real financial budget killer. So, make wise decisions in these areas and you can continue to enjoy that $3 latte.