Taylor Swift claims "Welcome to New York, it's been waiting for you," but in reality, it's waiting for your money. A $2.75 metro fare, $18.50 movie ticket, and the $9.64 burger from Shack Shack- it all adds up fast. Taken from experience, it's impossible to have a budget in the city. Here's how New York City made me broke.
1. The stores practically call your name.
There's an impulse to buy, so you buy. With Herald Square right around the corner from me, I could shop everyday if I could afford it. Every time I stroll past Macy's, I can hear a faint whisper of the shop calling my name.
2. It's so convenient to pick up a quick bite from the local hotspot.
In the city you walk everywhere, meaning you see and smell everything. Although this is sometimes bad when you smell the garbage, it's even worse when you smell hot, fresh food that you love. Even the dollar slice of pizza adds up- yikes!
3. Uber basically robs you blind.
Coming from a small town, I love the convenience of driving everywhere. So when Uber became a thing, I was obviously hyped. However, the estimated fare of a trip is always lower than the reality.
4. Laundry isn't just a quarter.
Between dry cleaning and slotting the quarters into a washer, I've screwed over my budget. Spending $10 on laundry a week may not seem like much, but when you're a college kid, it's crucial.
5. Social lives aren't budget-friendly.
When you're surrounded by people, you naturally are looking for something to do with them. And that whole "keeping up with the Joneses" isn't a myth. From weekend movies, museum dates, and midnight milkshakes; you're never bored, but you're never on budget.
6. Those "quick coffee runs" add up.
I can't count the times I've ran into a local coffee shop for a quick fix. Of course when you're drinking coffee on the go, you don't think to factor it into your weekly spending, right?
7. Looking your best means spending your savings.
In the city, everyone is dressed to the nines. It's no longer fitting to wear Forever 21 or H&M. You've got to spend big to make it big. Trying to fake your way in with Kmart threads isn't the best strategy. (I blame Gossip Girl's high standards for this one.)
8. Student discounts can only go so far.
Sure there's the 15 percent student discount at places like Topshop or Dunkin' Donuts, but that only means I am allowed to spend more. "Oh, $14 off a $90 sweater? Looks like I can get the headband, too!"
9. Entertainment comes at a (high) price.
Broadway musicals, concerts for every genre, daily sports games- the list goes on. Groupon can only go so far, so how do you afford to watch the New York Knicks and Matilda in a week? The poor will never know.
10. The city never sleeps, so neither does your credit card.
In the city, I find myself up at all hours. And the more hours in the day, the more minutes to spend. From online shopping, local boutiques, and street vendors, you always find your credit card ready to swipe.
When it comes down to it, I'd rather be broke in the city than rich in the rural.
