I'm so money...13 ways I've scrimped and saved in NYC

Okay, so I’m sharing my secrets. Don’t be surprised if after learning the truth you feel cheap and used. But at least I'm not searching for dates to pay for my every whim...because contrary to popular belief, dating is expensive for both parties.

1. I don't spend money on breakfast...
I live in a hostel that provides meals. In the mornings, I grab breakfast downstairs in our dining hall, which definitely resembles more of a church community center than an actual cafeteria. On today's menu? Gruel. Yes, as in "Please, Sir, can I have some more?" Oliver Twist gruel. Personally, I hate anything mushy. Some girls try to dress their bowl up with bananas or sugar, but I just opt for the daily alternative of peanut butter, jelly, and toast. I normally make myself two sandwiches—one for breakfast...

2. or lunch
...another to stow for lunch. The monotony of eating the same thing throughout the day definitely gets old, but it saves money when I don't have to buy an $8 salad at the nearest soup and salad eatery.

3. or dinner.
I race back to the women's residence for supper, which is always rice and some sort of meat. (If I don't recognize the meat, then I don't ask. Better not to know.) I swear they add fatty oils to the soups, so we won't ask for more, but that's fine. That just means leftovers for me. Sometimes, I try saving half of my meal in a container for the next day's lunch. Most of the time, I'm able to go weeks without having to buy any outside food. But if I'm not able to make due, and I absolutely HAVE to buy a meal while I'm out, I'll

a) buy a hotdog. They're only $1, and even though they're not super filling, at least they're protein!
b) ask family and friends for restaurant gift certificates for birthdays, Christmas, Valentine's Day, whatever. I'm still waiting to cash in my ten-dollar card to Olive Garden. Classy.
c) work at a restaurant. I did this over the summer. I would eat pre-shift food for my dinner. And if a table decides to cancel their order after it’s already made, then it’s your lucky day!


4. I buy diet soda at a deli.
It's cheaper there than at Duane Reade. But the best option is a small vendor on 54th and 8th where bottled soda and Snapple is only $1.

5. I don't take the subway.
...well, unless I absolutely have to, in which case, I buy the $10 card, so I can get one ride for free. I live by midtown, so I can pretty much walk everywhere, even if it means trekking to Murray Hill, Chelsea, or Soho.

6. I don't go out.
Luckily, I've never been much of a partier, or a drinker (which is crazy expensive in New York). If I do go out, it's only because someone puts me on the list, meaning no cover charge, and preferably an open bar. Apartment parties are the BEST. They only cost the price of subway fare, and I like the crowd better anyways.

I don't go to the movies either, unless a friend invites me to a free screening. I never say no, even if it's the worst teen flick, with some pop star trying to go A-list. Why would I? I get to hang with my friend for free, and be entertained for a solid two hours, which is more than I can say for what I'd be doing at the women's residence.

And if none of these options are available? Then, there’s always Sex and the City reruns on TBS at 11, or The O.C. on DVD.


7. I buy 99 cent T.P., "Sofpac."
Yes, it does exist. Do not buy Charmin. And if possible, use T.P. in place of Kleenex and paper towels.

8. I split the cost of DSL with my neighbors.
$50/month for DSL service is too much to spend by myself, so my neighbors also use my service. I only pay a third of the bill!

9. I go to D'Agostino's on Mondays for their weekly discounts flier, so I can plan any ice cream craving accordingly.
I’m not going to spend $5 on Ben & Jerry's, when it's $3 with my D'AG rewards card. (Note: Apply for any and all discount cards at CVS, Duane Reade, D'AG, etc.)

10. I'm an EBAY shopper.
I bought my makeup on Ebay for $10 cheaper than the retail, and a loading dock for my iPod shuffle for half of the original price. Meanwhile, I've sold shoes, perfume, a DVD, a curling iron, and other things that were taking up room in my already tiny digs. The $150 that I've made so far won't cover a week of rent, but it will help me purchase a few Christmas gifts! (And just a question of judgement—if a friend gave me some of her old clothes, is it immoral to go behind her back and sell them for profit? Really, I want to know.)

11. I was a film extra.
There are tons of postings on Craigslist asking for film extras, and $50 for four hours of work isn't too shabby (especially considering that you're just standing around). They don't require any prior experience, and no need to go through a screening process. And they give you free food for helping out!

12. I download free music.
Every Tuesday, iTunes has a couple of free songs available to download. Sometimes, the pickings are hit or miss when it comes to good taste, but I still check it out. And if you go to download.com, several newer bands offer free downloads to gain fandom. I’ve also heard about Limewire, which is a program where you can get free music downloads from pretty much any artist. I haven’t used it myself, because frankly, I’m afraid of the word “free” when it comes to music downloads—I don’t want to be accused of piracy! But friends tell me it’s awesome. And by “friends” I really do mean my friends, not “friends.”

13. I cut my hair.
Okay, I've only tried this a couple of times with my bangs, but if it allows me to go five/six months without a haircut, so be it. Although, my recent hairdo resembles my sad attempts in childhood to cut Barbie's hair with scissors. Hopefully, mine will grow back.

Total to live in NYC for one month? Rent: $750+Caffeine habit: $20+Subway ticket: $10+Ice cream: $20=$800. (And I guess I'll make general allowances for a tube of toothpaste or shampoo.)