We have no idea how to convince your landlord not to raise your rent $500, but we do have some handy tips that might help you meet your monthly budget goals:
1. Buy the unlimited MetroCard
2. Be smart when refilling your MetroCard
3. Buy groceries in the boroughs
Groceries will be cheaper in Brooklyn, Queens, or the Bronx, whichever one you live closest to. Go on a weekend because the subway will be less crowded. It might feel awkward to be on the subway with your groceries but your bank account will thank you.
4. Get a grocery store member card
As long as it’s free, it will help you. How much it helps depends on the benefits of the particular store. Keep in mind, though, that those cards are designed to get you to spend more money. So before you buy five DiGiorno pizzas to get the sixth one free, always ask yourself, “Do I really need/want all of these?”
5. Pack lunch
A sandwich from the deli closest your office in SoHo will cost you $7. But a loaf of bread, a half pound of turkey and a half pound of swiss from the grocery store will cost you $10, and will last you the entire week.
6. Avoid bars with cover charges
This one is a no-brainer. There are plenty of options that don’t charge you $10 just to get through the door.
7. Avoid places with drink minimums
Comedy clubs and music venues will often have drink minimums because that’s how they actually make their money. If you’re planning on having two drinks anyway, it won’t make a difference to you. But if you don’t want to spend money on booze, check before you go to make sure there isn’t a drink minimum.
8. Carry cash, or use Venmo
9. Visit the app store
10. Get a library card
Cover photo credit: Trenten Kelley/Flickr