Budgeting Bombshell

You know what the biggest and chicest and most freaking fabulous trend this fall is? $aving--with a capital $! You see, I was lucky to start my job just a hop, skip and six days after getting my diploma, so I went on a bit of a spending spree for the summer months. And while I love, love, love my new goodies (a few NARS lipsticks here, a little Marc Jacobs black dress there...), September marks the month in which I plan to add some serious padding to my savings.

In doing so, I budgeted out the amount of moolah I can shell out to various categories, so I'm extra mindful of not throwing away my precious bucks where it's not necessary. I've been doing great so far, so I thought I'd share my top tips to becoming rich. HA. (Some day!)

1. Bring lunch. It's a no brainer! Those salad bar concoctions from the office cafeteria add up quickly. Now, when I cook dinner, I purposely make an extra-large portion so I can pack up the leftovers for my mid-day meal. I'm still a lady who lunches... but I wear an especially recession-savvy hat now.

2. Say no to drinks. Water is better for you anyways! Nixing Starbucks and vending machine purchases takes some getting used to, but in the end, you'll thank me. And when it comes to those of the boozey variety, bid buh-bye to those extra dirty martinis you adore quite possibly too much... at least it you're anything like me! Find a bar with a never ending happy hour instead.

3. Get a hobby. Taking a cue from Bethenny's infamous line from this season's Real Housewives of NYC, find a hobby that does not involve shopping online, shopping in a mall, shopping in SoHo (God help us). Read a [library] book in the park and take advantage of this precious fall breeze. Call an old pal and rekindle an old bond. You'll think of something!

4. Organic... schmorganic. Gimme a break. A veggie is a veggie is a veggie. If you live near a small market, buy your produce there. The markets in my dear Queens sell yellow peppers for $.59 a pound. Know how much they are at Trader Joe's? $3.99. No brainer, yet again.

5. And finally, don't feel compelled to keep up with those around you! Money talk is never fun, so always be confident to live, ever so fabulously, within your means!