I used to have the same problem, here's what I do: break down after-tax pay into three categories- short term expenses/fun, medium term goals (new car, travel etc), and retirement. Decide percentages for each that make sense for your income and lifestyle. Right now I'm doing 50-25-25 respectively. That way you make sure your future goals are taken care of but you're also giving yourself permission to spend money on the present. Adjust those percentages until you're happy with the balance/results.