re: What % of your gross income do you save and/or invest?

I completely agree with the relationship thing...I don't really feel the need to go to bars as much with a LDR. My roommate also has a LDR, so we are both in the same situation, albeit his gf is closer so he sees her more often.

I'm sure the Flying Saucer will have more of my income in the coming year than I am planning (especially now that I am practically living downtown).

Whenever I BBQ or cook anything "nicer" I imagine it will cost the same, but oh well...at least it will taste great. I enjoy cooking when I have the time and the ingredients--I typically am just lacking either one or both of those

I know I will see a huge spike it spending at the beginning of my FT job because of all the random crap I will have to buy for the apartment. Silverware, dishes, cups, plates, bathroom supplies, cleaning supplies, maybe a piece of furniture, cooking pots and pans, and all of the other random things that I know I am forgetting. I think it will take a little while to accumulate it all....since I am not exactly rolling in the dough right now

In addition, I am sure I will just spend more money because I finally have an income...the leveling off will hopefully happen sooner rather than later.