Lost a Bundle with Bernie? It's All the Rage

The chicest way to plead poverty--just say you lost everything with Madoff!

Everyone's doing it.  Joan Rivers, Eliot Spitzer, Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick, Nancy Silverton and fils, Mort Zuckerman, screenwriter Eric Roth and host of others.

When no one has any spare millions, it's the same as if everyone has.  Even if all you ever invest in is a mocha latte, you can easily join the club of the newly broke.

But don't let the lack of cash keep you from acting lavishly, in small ways.  Rush to be the one to tip the valet or barista, spring to pick up the tab for a fast-food lunch.  Then, you can sit back and let someone else pull out the plastic for a really big bill.   I'll have some more tips for living the high life when you're on your uppers soon.