EXACTLY! like i said, setting it up is a bitch. i must have cursed a million times setting mine up. but once it's set up, it's all pure maintenance...you only need to add your expenses for that day and everything after that will just fix itself (if you have formulas set up). i was able to limit my spending throughout the year in order to enjoy a sweet ass vacation in aruba last year. this year was vegas and poland. now i have to save up for a car. i have a 98 honda accord (that i will be extremely sad to part with because it is the best car in the world) but my expenses are tight too and i wont' be able to afford crazy expensive maintenance/repairs on it a year or two from now. reserve an afternoon to plug in all your paychecks into your spreadsheet for a year from now, all your bills etc. and then section off money for your car and just use that as motivation to cut down on spending. i think everyone is in a similar boat. with today's economy, everyone is sort of forced to cut down on spending. you're not alone.