The new year calls for a bullish attitude to finances–in other words, let's be optimistic about the opportunities in the year ahead. Your diarist is useless at managing her finances at the best of times, so I have called upon the expert advice of a few friends and column regulars.

Instead of going out to drink, throw a house party and make it BOY booze. It works for my friend, local cocktail drinker Ivana, who has told me to tell you to “shake your own.” And if you must go out, then Thursday nights at Shanghai Studio is the place. “For RMB100, you can drink to your liver's content and if you're lucky, you'll pick up someone who's just as cheap and nasty as you,” Ivana coaches.

On the subject of alcohol, my partner in crime Ms. Ultramega Bling Bling, who is always in search of a sneaky bargain, says “drink stronger drinks, like neat vodka or tequila straight from the bottle. You'll get hammered harder and no mixers means you'll lose weight too.” Bling is all about exercise resolutions and says we should ride bikes to work. “Not only will you save money, but also you will do your bit for the environment and with the seat off it can be a whole lot of fun.” Which is about as much action as she'll get in the New Year.

My friend, international bon vivant Ignora de Stain, is a super elite, prestige premiere first class traveler. Planning a romantic Chinese New Year getaway with your fagulous entourage? “Why not travel local,” she says. “Gorgeous destinations like Moganshan and Yunnan rival the best Southeast Asia has to offer. Indeed, don't just travel local– why not eat local, shop local and pick up local!”

For fashion savings advice, I called upon my favourite Italian, G'Orgee Milano, who has a whorific way to save a penny and stay in vogue. “I swap clothes with my one night stands,” he says. “That way I have a new outfit every day and have never been seen in the same thing twice!” Clearly someone who has done the rounds a few times.

Finally, a perfect word of advice from my lesbian confidant Hannah: “Move in immediately. As soon as you see someone you like, grab 'em, move in together and never go out!” In other words darlings, the best advice I have for you in these troubled times is to be a lesbian!