Tracking can be a real eye opener. Sounds like you've had a bit of lifestyle inflation. For us, a lot of things had become habits and we've just slowly tried to change those habits. We used to get take-out most Fridays, now we go out to eat on special occasions only. We just had to get out of that habit. For things like Walgreens and Target, I have found it easier to avoid going to those places unless absolutely necessary, and to only go with a list and only buy the items on the list. We've also worked hard at avoiding food waste. On thing that has helped is buying almost enough meals for the week, and putting something together from the fridge/pantry/freezer on one or two days a week. It helps cut down waste and I have not thrown food away in months.
After a few months of tracking, I was able to try and set reasonable goals for reducing certain budget lines (clothes, gifts, etc) and stick to those. For other lines that are more essential, like groceries, we've just been trying to be more conscious of buying in season and stocking up on staples when they are on sale. We could definitely do better there but not with full time jobs and two young kids.
You mention paying an extra 3k a month on your house. You mean on top of your regular mortgage payments? Would you consider investing some of that money instead?
