learning from past mistakes, I always budget now, no matter how much cash flow I have. My budget can vary and I don't always spend all of it.
I noticed once I start hobbying, I often go into binge mode. Past 2 years, I've been hobbying in waves.
my budget for 1 wave (it can take me a few weeks, months, or few months to complete, depending on my schedule):
$ to see ATF1
$ to see ATF2
$ to see ATF3
$ to try someone new
$ to see someone I want to repeat
rinse and repeat.
gives me a good idea of what I want to make as a salary.