How Far a Pay Check Won't Go In New York City

I have lived in New York my entire life and trust me I love my city. . . But I also hate it. I work a city job but by no means am I middle class. I earn about $36,000 a year . In New York where a Metrocard which pays for my sole means of transportation is about to go up to possibly $125 a month, a son in private school, expenses oh yea I didn't even get to food yet. Living here can be depressing because all you do is work to stay a float and a lot of people are not even making it. Part of my reason for following my entrepreneurial spirits is for a second source of income. That's really the only way you can have a little something extra is if you follow your passions, and see them through. Although I have varied interests, skills and talents one thing I know for sure is if you are not earning $3500 a week in New York you are struggling! We have to teach our children to be smart with money, and to save. In some households there is a tossup between food and bills and which one will come first. To me that's sad and is something that shouldn't be. A few years ago I was homeless in NYC and although I never let myself get depressed enough to stay in the situation, I took an active approach to the situation and came to the decision that for me it was temporary. I am thankful to have come out of that situation, because I realize that so many people still don't have a place to call home. In New York it is easy to get caught up in overspending because we have access to everything. Whether its food, entertainment, music its here! I have learned to be a better shopper, take advantage of free events first, ask for discounts, and most importantly know how much I have to spend and stick to it!.I look forward to leaving NYC one day and living some place where my money will go a lot further, and help a community.

Be Great,

The Diva