Hey lapetitemoi and nwlinkvxd:
Something else you might like to try out is a monthly cash flow-budget. I have one here that I can email you if you'd like to PM me. Essentially, it lets me look ahead a month or two and see what all my inflows and outflows look like, including bills, food, mortgage, car payment, etc.
I can't comment on the cost of living you've outlined for yourselves (alas, I'm Canadian and don't have health care costs and I'm sure my insurance is cheaper). How about getting a weekend job at a restaurant and get at least one or two subsized meals?
(I guess that would significantly lower your minimum wage, though!)
Best of luck!
Oh, one other thought...get an apartment that's not on the ground floor or on the end of the building and you'll save on heating costs while your downstairs neighbours heat your place for you!