When the recession is a' rockin'....

Dear M & M,

Like any savvy twenty-something, I started an online budget as my New Year's resolution, to actually track where my money was going. Lo and behold, I spend over half my salary on rent (not surprising) and most of the rest on wining and dining, so to speak (more like sushi delivery and nights of binge drinking).

I've already started bringing lunch to work, stopped shopping (mostly, anyhow) and ordering delivery; but, I'm still spending well above what I need to in order to start on my savings plan - which means actually saving some -- or any -- money, really.

I get depressed just thinking about not going out for dinner/drinks/happy hour to see friends, indulging in the subsequent cab ride home that will ensue or canceling my gym membership (which I'm really planning on using - honest). How do I save without sacrificing my social life and/or mental health?

Spoiled & Broke

Dear Spoiled & Broke,
Maude: Just from your signature line and general brilliance, I imagine that your parents provided you with a stellar education at, no doubt, an elite and expensive school. Now they (silly them) expect you to pay your own way in this cruel world. What, you ask, can you do to straighten out this frightening situation? To begin, you deserve a round of applause for at least trying to curb you natural tendency to excess and your awareness that gobs of money is not a god-given right. Now, you must move to Kansas. The cost of a very nice duplex will be 1/4 of what you are currently paying. Also, you should use that gym that you to become fit enough to only ride a bicycle when you live in Kansas (don’t worry, it’s quite flat there). Next, you must remember the important and true mantra that you must first pay yourself and then the others. Which means that you must ride that bike very fast in order to outrun the creditors when they find you in your sweet country home. Luckily for you, this advice is free.
Mod: Maude just informed me that she though I wrote this question (I most certainly did not) and that’s why her answer was so flip. Apparently she thinks I'm a pauper (I am) and wants me to relocate. Now for some practical advice: the only way to stop overspending and start saving is to monitor your money like a maniac. How many bank accounts do you have? One or two? Not enough. Maude taught me how to open FIVE bank accounts to keep track of my spending:
-Rent and Bills: Obviously this money is a priority. Keep it separated from the rest and you’ll have a clear idea of how much you have left each month. Put your gym and grocery money here as well. It might be a good idea to have your paychecks deposited into this one.
-Spending and Discretionary: Fun money! Money for drinks, eating out, cabs, clothes, the like.
-Spending Savings: Saving up for a plane ticket, Christmas gifts, or some nice boots? Keep that money here.
-Permanent Savings: This is where your real savings live. You should mostly feed this account and rarely take money out.
-Credit Card
Sounds excessive, but it's so easy once you've set it up, you’ll be hooked. Plus, if you’ve put your money away into rent and savings, you’ll be able to stop yourself from overspending – there won’t be anything left in your spending account. Use online banking so you can see everything at once and transfer away (I use Bank of America checking accounts – they get the job done). Best of all, when you waggle you fingertips and talk about how you need to 'move your money around', people will think you’re a billionaire!
P.S. To make yourself go to the gym more, keep track of how many times you go in a month. Divide your monthly gym fee by that number. Cry and find your gym clothes.