How I transformed my money energy

I couldn’t wait for Saturdays. It’s when I allowed myself just one guilty pleasure:

A diner breakfast with eggs, toast and potatoes, all for $7, including tip.

If my best friend and I were feeling extra bold? We’d spend 45 minutes on the subway to get to the East Village, where for just $6, we’d stuff ourselves at the Indian prix fixe places on 6th St.-thank heaven for the pakoras, chana masala, mulligatawny soup, and coconut rice pudding that just kept coming.

I was a college freshman, a new Manhattan-ite, and living off just one piece of advice from my money-savvy parents about my finances:

“Be responsible.”

So, I’d walk past some of the most expensive stores in the world, showcasing watches, necklaces, and dresses that cost a whole year’s rent…on my way to get my $7 breakfast “splurge.”

I parceled out muffins over two days, lived on pasta and soup, and stretched my dollars so far that I’m surprised they didn’t rip in half.

Oh, and the subways? A luxury.

To save the $1.50 fare, at one point, I commuted 60 blocks on foot from Lincoln Center to my apartment with loads of musical equipment weighing on my back. I can (proudly?) say that instead of gaining the Freshman 15, I’d become the pioneer who lost the…