HealthyBea

How to Actually Save Money Living in NYC

If you’re like me and find yourself calling some of the most expensive (albeit magical) cities in the world your home, I am sure you’re also constantly reminded of the practically unaffordable living expenses. Whether your journey in that location is only temporary, or one in which you plan to plant your stakes, you may still appreciate some money saving tips (at least before you climb the ranks in your career and never have to worry about money again 😉 ). Luckily, I have been there and managed to leave New York City after 7 years with a little financial cushion, which subsequently supported both my move to England and undergrad/graduate loan repayments; two incredibly costly endeavours I funded myself. 

Truthfully, I never realised I was saving money along the way because I figured my approach to spending was the only way to manage finances. This mindset was helpful, but it also meant I was constantly living in a state of stress. Hopefully these tips will help you find some repose compared to what I was carrying. After all, you are presiding in your dream city, so you should be taking every advantage to find freedom, peace, and adventure. 

Money Saving Tips

1. Grocery Lists: I know many people find difficulty in meal planning and cooking for one, but I truly believe this skill and focus contributed most significantly to my savings.
   1. While I realise physical space is a hurdle, begin by considering which staples you can stock up (and fit) in your apartment. This way, you are able to simplify your weekly grocery bills/hauls, and creatively whip something together in a pinch. Here are a few examples for inspiration:
      • Canned/Jarred: Beans, tuna, vegetables (such as hearts of palm, artichokes, olives)
      • Frozen: Fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, ice cream (duh)
      • Shelf Stable: Nuts, nut butter, tahini, chocolate (also duh)
      • Dry Goods: Rice, quinoa, pasta, oatmeal
      • Refrigerated: Eggs, mustard, soy sauce/coconut aminos, fish sauce, chili paste, whatever you typically use for dipping or sauces 
   2. Next, consider the type of meals that provide you with the maximum happiness, nutrition, and fuel. Are you a toast or oatmeal type of person? Do you crave soup or salad? Rice and beans? Meat and potatoes? Nuts and seeds? Pasta? Knowing your preferences upfront will help you find your recipes quickly and allow you to tweak and adapt each week.   
   3. When making your grocery list, categorise by each meal, including snacks and dessert! Focus on fruit/veg, protein, carbs, and fat. I always tried to limit the fats and animal protein slightly because they tend to be more expensive (think cheese, avocado, steak), and used more plant-based protein, such as eggs and beans. Not only are they more budget friendly, but they’re easy to meal prep or throw into a meal quickly after work. 
   4. Tips:
      • Use your freezer! Instead of tossing items like cheese, beans, meat, greens, sauces, throw them in an airtight container and stick in the freezer until you’re ready to consume.
      • Make it your mission each week to consume (or freeze) all of your perishables. Don’t throw anything away if you can help it! This will (hopefully) encourage you to eat at home when you’re feeling tired or lazy and tempted to order in.

2. Eating/Drinking Out: 
   1. I know that during the work week it’s tempting to grab lunch out, coffee in the afternoon, or a quick dinner on the way home, but I challenge you to create meals and beverages that excite you just as much as what you can find in restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. 
   2. For example, I enjoy making my own lunch salads more than purchasing because I know exactly which ingredients I prefer and satisfy me most. Honestly, for those of us in the UK, is a “Meal Deal” actually delicious and nutritious? Couldn’t you make a sandwich 5x better and more substantial than the bare bone options ~you know who is offering us? 
   3. Sometimes when I am tempted to eat out, I instead opt to purchase my “splurge” ingredients (for me those are figs, halloumi, duck, Japanese sweet potatoes, etc.). I still feel like I am treating myself, and I know this route is not only better for my waistline, but also my wallet, resulting in feelings of tranquility and satisfaction.
   4. I previously stored my own coffee pour over, grounds, and filter at work because the coffee from our machines left ~lots to be desired. I am loving the options at my current job, so instead of purchasing subsidised lattes, I happily make them from the (free) machine. 
   5. Tips:
      • Schedule 2-3 meals/treats out each week and make sure they are exciting! My goal was to check out as many of the iconic, new, and trendy restaurants I could manage. And that made every purchase so much more enjoyable and rewarding. Plus it was my time to catch up with friends while exploring the city. 
      • Opt for fun and creative meals at home with your mates. Stop at Trader Joe’s (or M&S in the UK) for every ingredient you need for a charcuterie board, pasta, curry, or stir fry. Pair with any beverage (alcoholic or non) and you’re still saving loads of cash without sacrificing the novelty, ease, and deliciousness. 

3. Transportation:
   1. If you’re lucky enough to have efficient (enough) public transportation, try to utilise this option vs. driving/taxis. Not only is it better for the environment, but it’s also exponentially less expensive, and oftentimes faster.
   2. Walking as much as you can is, of course, your very best mode, but I realise there are many elements that make this less realistic (weather, outfits, time, distance, safety). Walk when you can, but don’t stress when it’s not realistic.
   3. If you have to drive, find a buddy with whom to carpool and split the cost of gas/fuel.

4. Clothing:
   1. Take advantage of sales, thrifting, charity shops, second-hand online services, and outlets! Do you really need to purchase your item right now at full price? If so, then go for it without regret, but if not, wait a beat to see if you can navigate a cheaper option.
   2. Let’s be honest, you probably don’t have room for a 10th pair of pants/trousers or heels, anyway, so consider how vital the purchase is in the first place.
   3. Give yourself permission to splurge on limited high-quality items and don’t be afraid to rewear them! I have a few staples that I am not ashamed to grab every week. If you alter your full outfits slightly, let’s be real, no one is paying enough attention to notice.

5. Workouts:
   1. I am not here to deter you from participating in whatever form of exercise encourages you to workout, but I will share some cheaper alternatives, or additions to your favourite £25 ($32) classes.
   2. Some people really do need a group environment (or financial penalty from cancelling a class) to be motivated to move their bodies. If I am speaking to you, great! Just try to limit your pricier activities to 1-2x a week. Think of them as a treat you’re gifting yourself to feel your best.
   3. Outside of these, try to find workouts from apps with lower cost monthly/yearly subscriptions, your local corner gym, or free resources online. Here are some recommendations:
      1. Paid Apps:
         • Obé Fitness (HIIT, Yoga, Pilates, Cycling, Lifting, etc.)
         • Alo Moves (Yoga, Pilates, Barre, Strength)
         • Sculpt Society (Dance Cardio, Sculpt)
         • Melissa Wood Health (Yoga, Pilates, Meditation)
         • Barre Eclipse (Spicy Barre)
      2. Corner Gym Activities:
         • Cardio: Stair stepper, stationary bike, rowing erg, treadmill, HIIT
         • Lifting: Free weights, squat rack, weight machines (cables, leg press, lat pulldown, leg curl, etc.)
         • Matt Work: Yoga, pilates, stretching, body weight exercises (squats, pushups, planks, etc.)
      3. Free Online Resources:
         • Five Parks Yoga w/ Erin Sampson (Yoga)
         • Nourish Move Love (HIIT, Strength, Pilates) 
         • Yoga with Adriene (Yoga)

6. Miscellaneous Items:
   1. This bucket includes any random items that are specific to you (think makeup, bags, crafts, books, travel, games, etc.).
   2. Try to limit these purchases to when you’ve made an achievement or significant progress in something to which you’ve put your mind. Not only will you appreciate it more, but you’ll become much more mindful and goal-oriented along the way!

Money is primarily essential to grant us what we need, but secondarily, if lucky enough to have a relatively disposable income, provide us with what we want. Make sure that whatever is included in the latter category is purchased knowing that the former is managed. Know how much more you’ll enjoy the “treat” knowing that you’ve honestly considered and taken into account your financial situation. 

With a bit more consideration and maybe a little sacrifice, I have faith that you will be able to offer yourself with both necessities and luxuries, while putting some money away for the future. 

Good luck!

Best,

Bea