Dear Abby: I’m tempted to ‘go wild’ now that I’m on my own

DEAR ABBY:

I grew up with very strict parents. They used money to control me, even after I graduated from college and grad school. I’m happy to report that I recently landed my dream job. I have achieved financial freedom and, at last, I’m independent. My question is, how do I avoid going wild? I’m suddenly free to do whatever I want, and I’m tempted to go out and party like I never could before. I want to have fun, drink, dance and finally start dating (and maybe sleeping) around. I worry, though, that I don’t know how to indulge without going over the top.

I’ve been going to concerts (which I love), staying up too late and eating a ton of junk food. All of that seems fine, within reason, but I already feel like I’ve been drinking too much, and I’m worried this might carry over into other aspects of my newly liberated existence. I would hate for my freedom to negatively impact my job performance or have any lasting negative consequences.

I know I’m dealing with something most people process in college, when there is a roommate to help you look out for yourself, a class schedule to maintain and limited funds to spend going out. Instead, I’m on my own, working a job I love with a flexible schedule and I earn enough money to go out as often as I please.

I know I should be saving and budgeting, but I haven’t gotten there yet. I have a fair amount saved, and I add more every paycheck, but it’s nothing formal. I definitely have been spending too much on clothes — my wardrobe was a constant battleground before — and I love wearing things I choose.

Basically, I’m asking for advice on how to enjoy my new freedom in a responsible, healthy way — without going wild. — UNLEASHED IN ILLINOIS

DEAR UNLEASHED:

A way to avoid overspending and prepare for your future would be to start saving a predetermined amount from your paycheck on a regular basis. You didn’t mention whether your employer has a program in place in which a certain amount of money…