How much money do you have on the edge?

We usually have nothing or very little left over. ... But for some time now, I have been trying to set aside at least 200€ or more per month as savings, to build up some reserves. The house purchase created a very deep hole in our finances, and we are only now (1.5 years later) starting to recover financially from it.

We have just under 3800€ available and there are 4 of us.

For me, it’s somehow looking similar; although (as mentioned above) there is at least a little bit left over every month, I think it will still be quite a while before I recover. Because there is always something left to do and buy.
At the moment, I’m planning whether or not to do the exterior work right away (on a modest level), and I have two appointments next week regarding financing. If I wanted to save up the sum, it would take me quite a while to get there... Own labor is only possible to a limited extent, the parking space needs to be supported with L-bricks; that won’t work with my two hands.
Numbers are similar, but there are only three of us (two children and me).

To be honest, I can't say; I do not keep monthly records of private expenses.

Since the move, we have about 500 EUR higher ongoing housing costs than before in the cheaper rental apartment. We have been able to control the amount of the additional burden relatively arbitrarily through the repayment rate.

As I said, you don't always have to have the best right away.

For me personally, I have found a way to basically live below my own financial means. With a bit of buffer in the account, which automatically results from this, I find it pleasant not to constantly watch the account balance or plan private budgets.

Whether there is more or less money available, I do not calculate, and therefore, and otherwise, I am not tempted to consume more or less because of the account balance. Since having a house and a child, however, I spend significantly more because my own time has become an important factor.

Most people I know base their spending control on the account balance.

Sometimes I'm almost glad that we have so little at our disposal compared to many others here. That makes some things easier because, for example, it's clear that we will now (meaning in the next 1-2 years) lay the paving stones (ourselves) that we like but that are affordable (max. €25/sqm) and sometime in a few years/decades we might repave with paving stones that would be even more our dream but are currently beyond our budget. That's the case with several things and in a way it makes it simple.

Well, just because you have less doesn't mean others have it done. For example, after 5 years I painted the entire apartment. Painters wanted €3,000; I only paid for materials and took time off work. From the difference of over €2,700, we are going on vacation.

any idea? at least the fixed costs must be considered in advance

Our repayment is 900,-, the cold rent is currently 600,-. In addition, there will be fuel costs for commuting in the future.
I estimate about 700,- in the beginning period that still need to be covered. It will work out, vacations will initially only be taken in Germany and Austria.
Next year I will move up in our bank salary scale, then there will be a bit more breathing room again.

Well, just because you have less doesn't mean others should have it done. For example, after 5 years I painted the entire apartment. Painters wanted €3,000, I only had material costs and sacrificed vacation time. We go on vacation with the difference of over €2,700.

I didn't mean it that way either. It's just that if the money to have everything done isn't there anyway, the question, for example, doesn't even arise.

For me, it’s somehow showing a similar pattern, there is at least (see above) a little something for every month, but I think it will still take me quite a while to recover. Because there is still something left to do and buy. At the moment I am in the process of planning whether I shouldn’t just do the outdoor area right away (on a modest level), I have two appointments next week on the topic of financing. If I wanted to save up the amount, I would also be busy for quite a while until it works out... Own contribution is only possible to a limited extent, the parking space has to be supported with L-beams, that won’t work with my two hands. Numbers are similar, but there are only three of us (two children and me).

Hello Altai, why not just do it right away if it is intended to be done? With the low interest rates, I would already recommend including the outdoor facilities in the financing, especially since it does not negatively affect the loan-to-value ratio for the condition determination—as it is value-enhancing.