If you’re shooting for consistency in your financial plan, you are bound to be disappointed. Instead, I try to find a sense of balance between different seasons, seasons that can vary widely at times from incredible highs to incredible lows.
For starters, there are times of flat growth or stagnation, times of accelerated growth, and times of spending.
When we moved in with my in-laws more than a year ago, it was the start of a new season–an opportunity to greatly increase our resources. When we had a new baby and bought a house within the last two months, it was another season entirely–one of many expenses, investments, and change. We’re now entering a new time, one with flat and steady growth expected for some time.
This all might seem self-evident, but I point it out because when times are good, really really good, we tend to feel like we’ve hit the Lotto. When times are bad, we feel like we’re on the edge of poverty. In between, we feel like we’re stuck and spinning our wheels. In reality, every season has a place, time and purpose. And every season ends, bound to change and test our ability to adapt quickly.
Consistency helps and wins in the short-term. Staying on your toes and minding the big picture is what wins the war.
Fiscal Fizzle 
It is good you utilized the situation to make changes and save money. I think it gave you a boost and you hopefully remember where you went astray before which should keep you out of trouble.
That’s why I like to live in the equator where it’s sunny all year round as compared to the north pole which is darkness for many months of the year. I would rather be moderately happy all year round than up and down so I agree consistency is the winner here!
I think you hit the nail on the head. Being reminded of the big picture, the overall scheme of things is very important. If we get too short sighted, that’s when we can get into big trouble. I’ve been there and it’s not pretty.