Base your budget on your take home pay per month. From that budget, subtract requirements such as rent/house payment/utility bills/gasoline/food/loans/credit card payments, etc. With the left over budget, put a percentage away into savings for emergencies. The rest could go into checking and be used for anything extra such as haircuts or to treat yourself to a nice meal or anything else. Don’t spend more than you can afford unless you have to (car loan/etc.). Pay as much of your credit card debt as possible each month and save as much as you can In case of a job loss or emergency.