This is partially a rule I leeched off a good friend, but also very different. :)

I realized a few things.

1) I really, really want to pay off debt.
2) I go out to eat . . . too much.
3) I treat friends to activities and food . . . too much.
4) I do a lot of my spending on "for fun" things impulsively.

So here's my new rule.

I can do whatever the hell I want with my extra money (taking friends to the movies, going out to eat, etc., etc.), as impulsively as I care to, with one condition:

However much I spend on that food, that activity, or whatever else - I have to put that same amount towards my debt, that same day. This means I'll have as much money in extra debt payments as I do in this fun stuff. It will limit my budget and accomplish my objectives more rapidly.

This applies to "for fun" activities and food - not groceries or stuff I have to spend money on. Also, if I plan the "for fun" activity into my budget at least a week ahead of time, I don't have to do the "debt match" on it.

It can also "build up" in my favor, on the side of paying off debt. If I do an extra $200 towards debt, that's $200 "built up" that I can spend impulsively, so long as I keep good track of it.

I should be debt free in no time! ;)