I want to save $2,000 up every month until I leave New York in September. I’ve succeeded in the first month, although I’m subsisting on ham and cheese sandwiches, Friday nights are for reading, and I have to make really good use of my nights and weekends minutes on my downgraded cell phone plan.

The most I stipulated I could save was $16,000, so I’m working towards that goal with smaller, monthly incremental goals.

It was especially difficult this month with my Banana Republic subscription e-mailing me with 40% off post-Winter sales. But I have not succumbed.