It's amazing how a job at a regional can focus your attention on the many leaks of where your income goes.

Skip the Ramen noodles, cook up a big pot of spaghetti that will last 3 or 4 days. Ditch all the monthly and yearly subscriptions you really don't need. I ended up canceling everything but Aviation Week and my American Express SkyGuide. When going out on dates, I never met a woman earlier than 9pm, and never for dinner. I only drank Soda Water and a Lime. If asked why, and that was nearly every time, I just said I don't drink alcohol-- that I'm a pilot and value my career Nuff said.

Stop all gift buying. Instead, send a free Hallmark e-card (couldn't do that back in my time). Use Skype as your home telephone # (ditto) if you have broadband. Man, I could go on.

Tightening the hatch for a year is actually useful in showing just how money we blow normally on a good salary... so there's a silver lining awaiting you.