purelife, I just read your question about eating out with co-workers.
You are totally doing the right thing by showing fiscal restraint and being honest about it.
Might be nice to suggest a social event sometime. Something like coffee or ice cream or a downtown event (jazz festival coming up in a few months, with free downtown concerts outdoors) just for fun.
And, here's a line to use when begging off of a meal out (for whatever reason):
"I already have plans, but I'll try to stop by for a coffee/drink/dessert".
I've used that a lot. Sometimes I don't want to sit an entire evening with a group of people, but have no problem going for a coffee.