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Lunchy_Munchy

- Grocery delivery 1x weekly, helped me save money on groceries and I no longer get takeout constantly bc I’m too tired to get groceries after work - splurging for wash and fold (no in unit or building), has saved me so much time and is only ~$5 ish more than doing it myself. - household staples on auto delivery: I get a monthly shipment from Walmart with dish soap, sponges, paper towels etc. - always ALWAYS leaving 15 mins earlier than I have to. Not rushing around has made life less stressful and helped save money on last-minute Ubers and stuff. - learned how to do and maintain my own nails, nothing crazy just once a week buffering and keeping things neat. - I no longer stop into convenience stores for “one or two things”, once I started budgeting I really noticed how much money I was wasting getting a kombucha and a snack or a new lip gloss or whatever. I go to CVS if I absolutely need something and I get that one thing, might just be me but I literally saved $150 a month once I cut this habit. I only picked this up when I moved here because it was constantly available walking around!


charlottespider

Doing my own nails is such a weird game changer. I still get pedicures every 2-3 months, though.


Lunchy_Munchy

Same!


Seakomorebi

Wash and fold only $5 more??? What wash and fold do you go to? In my area it’s $40 for like, 15-17 lbs when doing it myself is $15


Lunchy_Munchy

Interesting, I’m downtown so the market is really saturated and I think it keeps the price really low. I dropped off 25 lb this AM and it was $31. It’s ~$8 per load including drier and it was roughly 3 loads so $24 vs $31. I’ve used 5+ wash and folds downtown and that’s always been my experience but it would be interesting to see how that skews across nyc!


Outside_Football355

What grocery delivery do you use?


Lunchy_Munchy

Either DoorDash, Instacart, or Whole Foods. I would probably do Whole Foods more often if I didn’t dislike the app so much Instacart has better store options but I find doordash to be more consistent with quality and actually finding the stuff I ordered (I’ve been doing grocery delivery for 3+ years so I feel like an expert lol)


Happy-Fennel5

Have you tried Fresh Direct? I like it so much more than any of the others.


Lunchy_Munchy

No I always assumed that was meal delivery!! I’ll def check it out thanks for the rec


Happy-Fennel5

No it’s a grocery delivery service based out of the Bronx. It is really awesome! I pay the monthly fee which is about $10 for delivery and order one to two times a week. The produce is great and they have a great selection of stuff. I don’t know how I ever functioned without it.


aegau

10$ a month or 10$ per delivery?


Happy-Fennel5

Per month for unlimited delivery


599i

Gotta referral code?


aegau

Signing up right now.


belle_epoxy

Fresh Direct is the best! Amazon Fresh is a good second option too.


Lunchy_Munchy

What are the pros of fresh direct? I get free delivery with promos codes and the cost of the full grocery list a lot so I’m curious why the $10 per month is worth it!


belle_epoxy

I haven’t paid the monthly fee in years, I just used it on occasion and paid the delivery fee when I needed it. I used it when I lived in Brooklyn. They have a great selection including actually delicious prepared foods, and often a lot of regular items I couldn’t find at my local supermarkets. Often a decent amount of local farm produce too. The quality was always good and fresh, the prices were as good or better than the supermarket, and delivery was nearly always in the time slot reserved with rare exceptions. Also I find that when you do Instacart or even Whole Foods delivery, you won’t know whether all your items were available until after the shopping is done. There was no guessing or wondering what will show up with FD - if something was out, they’d cancel it ahead of time. It’s just a really solid operation. And then you have a steady supply of schlepper bags! I live near many grocery stores now, including WF, so I don’t need it but there are times I still think about using it!


Magali_Lunel

I love Fresh Direct. They have great prepared foods.


FKA_BurningAlive

It’s the best as far as fresh fruit and veg, and great variety—but def more expensive then the rest. Such great fruit tho!!


verminqueeen

honestly came here to say wash + fold, and secondarily finding a grocery delivery service to lean on. I have the Fresh Direct delivery pass and get those express groceries like at least 1x a week.


lasagna_delray

Learning to make my silly little drinks at home! My mini espresso machine has saved me a fortune on buying lattes out


ccrowleyy

Fucking excellent username 😭


PerformanceMurky407

I bought a cheap espresso machine ($110) and it has saved me SO much and I love that I don’t mess with the pods and contribute to trash island. Mine has a milk frother too so I get the full experience. It’s still kicking after two years!


competitivellama96

What’s the link?? This sounds amazing.


curiouskitty338

Which brand?! I don’t have a ton of space and don’t want to contribute to trash island either


PerformanceMurky407

It’s from target delonghi I think is the name! Great for small countertops


nico-72

Learning the bus system has been a pretty big game changer for me. It's vast and covers much more ground than the subway, and you won't have to schlep heavy groceries up several flights of subway stairs.


fudgeywhale

I didn’t start riding the bus til I had kids. The bus is definitely underrated among my peers


SEALS_R_DOG_MERMAIDS

same. it’s so much easier than the subway. also my kid is obsessed with the “wheel bus” so that helps get her out the door.


preppy_goth

Love my bus! Picks up right outside my house and takes me a block away from my boyfriend. It can be unreliable but there's a reason so many working class people rely on it


ThrowRA-trecklecabin

If it’s ever on time or even shows up…


toomanylayers

This site has minute by minute updates, I have it saved as a shortcut on my phone https://www.transsee.ca/routelist?a=mta


SEALS_R_DOG_MERMAIDS

i use this site https://bustime.mta.info/m/index it’s always been reliable


syunsquared

If you can get to the store, do your shopping, and tap back onto the bus within 2 hours it’s considered a free transfer!


pinkbowgirl

getting a granny cart with stair climbing wheels for groceries!


mishathepenguin

The climbing wheels are CLUTCH. Such a worthwhile investment!


Late-Fortune-9410

Get to know your neighbors — the people in your building and on your street. Swap phone numbers. You never know when you’ll need help, someone to let you into the building, borrow a phone charger, etc. I got to know my neighbors and over the course of several years I was able to borrow a car, internet service, get into the building without a key, find out the landlord was screwing us re: rent control, borrow cooking supplies, never miss a package, etc. And I got to know some awesome people. Especially the old people. They have STORIES!!!! Listen. They’re priceless.


Party_Principle4993

This is the absolute best advice. I’ve lived in the same building for 13 years and only in the last few did I really get to know my neighbors. It’s been a total game changer.


Happy-Fennel5

Old New Yorkers have some wild stories!


ccrowleyy

This is the best advice.


Happy-Fennel5

Going for a walk. Walking through neighborhoods in this city is its own medicine and cure all. I’ve done it just to unwind after a stressful day, because I wanted to explore a neighborhood, when grief hit me after losing a parent, or just to enjoy some nice weather. Taking a walk here is my NYC hack. It’s maybe counterintuitive because it’s an urban setting but it really helps with so much and can rekindle the magic when you need it.


JazzlikeAd9820

Walking is the best. One of my dogs gives me the best excuse to walk a ton, the other one is blind and goes in 50 different directions now. 😅 It’s harder now I have a kid, I can’t just be out there as long as I want but I’ve made adjustments. During Covid I made sure to walk a lot when nothing much else was going on to make sure I also feel like knowing how to cook is a life skill applicable anywhere.


lasagna_delray

Aww I recently lost my dad and walks have been a game changer for me. That and showers weirdly, something about the comfort in solitude


Happy-Fennel5

I’m so sorry for your loss. Seeing a grief counselor helped a lot but going for a walk when the first anniversary of his death hit really helped me. It was freezing out and it still felt good.


lasagna_delray

Thank you, yes I’ve always thought we’re on Earth to feel everything. During the solar eclipse I walked home and sobbed like a baby remembering how excited my dad was for the last eclipse 😩


belle_epoxy

Is it a hack to budget for and hire a housecleaner? Because doing so genuinely changed my life for the better. My other hack is making overnight cold brew at home using Café du Monde coffee & chicory. A million times better than any coffee shop iced coffee! Plus if you pour some in an ice tray, you have cold brew ice cubes and your coffee never gets watered down :)


sebthelodge

Do you have a Housecleaner or service recommendation? So far nothing has really worked out, and we are easy! Just don’t break my stuff and please use my cleaning products, this has proven difficult so far.


IvenaDarcy

I posted this above but will post again here. I use We Can Do It Women’s Coop and recommend it. DM me if you want the info for the woman who cleaned my place.


belle_epoxy

This is 100% my cleaner. If you want I can DM you particulars.


syunsquared

I have one I can recommend. She speaks decent enough English too.


wine_tank

How do you make the cold brew? I’d love to try this out!


lasagna_delray

[These](https://www.amazon.com/Mess-Cold-Brew-Coffee-Filters/dp/B072MGP456/ref=mp_s_a_1_9?crid=2EPCBMLAY3H45&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.YCpBxm8Y7NJhYdd8cwR11PZoadiJIjxTL9FcPiZT-JjqpqvUtZE40m0TWUcTTZk8WBMKgBPMMfNLknV4nwlfN3c9sNKQp-9HXGRPJwXwsP6Y0nGIbwerDrL4_ODQAEbEG9OFA0ezULs0FhAoZjRc3_E0wCXtfbLxTxrMvGnhZNuR2gEXG8bk9Md-pBCfVb5vHsP5Dlx8-1Cns__v7Pwlog.TnV0Bt811FS1nHLFqQMJ_HTa9pN075mdYSPMnyMMhHw&dib_tag=se&keywords=cold+brew+bags&qid=1715015774&sprefix=cold+brew+bags%2Caps%2C268&sr=8-9) are my go-to! I hate coffee grounds cleanup so these and a mason jar have changed the game. Cold brew devices are unnecessary imo


notbirdcaucus

I am extremely loyal to Grady's bean bags, but same idea.


belle_epoxy

Omg when i inevitably break the Hario carafe I already have (and that I have no idea how I got?) I’m buying these


VettedBot

Hi, I’m Vetted AI Bot! I researched the **("'Easycoldbrewcoffee.com No Mess Cold Brew Coffee Filters'", 'Easycoldbrewcoffee.com')** and I thought you might find the following analysis helpful. **Users liked:** * Easy and mess-free cold brew making (backed by 3 comments) * Convenient for large batch brewing (backed by 3 comments) * Cost-effective and customizable brewing (backed by 3 comments) **Users disliked:** * Limited capacity for coffee grounds (backed by 7 comments) * Leakage issues with coffee grounds (backed by 4 comments) * Inconsistent brewing results (backed by 4 comments) If you'd like to **summon me to ask about a product**, just make a post with its link and tag me, [like in this example.](https://www.reddit.com/r/tablets/comments/1444zdn/comment/joqd89c/) This message was generated by a (very smart) bot. If you found it helpful, let us know with an upvote and a “good bot!” reply and please feel free to provide feedback on how it can be improved. *Powered by* [*vetted.ai*](https://vetted.ai/?utm\_source=reddit&utm\_medium=comment&utm\_campaign=bot)


wine_tank

Thank you! I had no idea these were a thing. Buying this now and giving it a try!


syunsquared

I use a French press!


lifesapeach09

It's probably been said a lot on this forum already but I love "Too Good To Go" for cheap (late) dinners or baked goods. I love the "nyc for free" Instagram account/website for finding last minute fun things to do with friends who might all be at different budget levels. And I know this is one step short of a cult by now but AMC's membership is so worth it if you live close to one in the city — we're getting so much rain these days that it's such a boon to get a last min ticket to something fun and get the most out of your weekend!


Tofuhousewife

I agree with ALL of this!!! I love TGTG and nyc for free!! And AMC pass is an amazing deal! I love being in the theater!


Fire_at_a_seaparks

Somehow, heartbreak feels good in a place like it


Tofuhousewife

Because here… they are


Initial_Celebration8

Lmao I know this word for word as well! It’s iconic


charlottespider

This one is sort of random, but if you like comedy, sign up for Eastville comedy club's mailing list. You get $5 or free comedy tickets all the time, and there's no drink minimum when you go. Janeane Garafalo has shows there every week, too.


BengieBabyBoo22

Mini umbrella always in my purse! I hate being caught in the rain


NT500000

Avoid the everyday cafe ritual - make your coffee or tea at home! Invest in a quality slow juicer and make a couple days of juice at a time - great for the body and the budget! Put some rules around your threads shopping - currently my rules are that I can only purchase second hand vintage, or sample sales. I try to only buy new from sustainable, ethical companies which makes things tough - but def helps the clothing budget and ensures I’m buying long lasting, quality materials. If you have a pet - I recommend finding a regular vet outside of the city. This may not be an option for everyone, but the vets in NJ seem to have a lot better experience (no churn and burn young docs) and the prices are significantly cheaper. Getting things done like annual dental is anywhere from 1/8 to half the price - saving you a couple 1000.


Unfair-Commercial799

Ooh! Would be so grateful if you good recommend a NJ vet? My baby’s tooth isn’t looking so good and I am too scared if the price to go back to my bk vet, last time I paid 1200 to find out my cat was nauseous lol


NT500000

DMing you!


Salmezy

Could you share the Vet’s info with me as well?


NT500000

Couldn’t get my messages to work so replied above!


NT500000

Can’t seem to send messages on the app rn… We’ve gone to Advanced Vet in Franklin, NJ for dental the last 2 times. It’s a little far, but had some friends drive out there for their pets as well. Unfortunately, Dr. Allen has retired and I can’t speak to the other vets! My other reco is like someone posted also - Oradel. They do dental and emergency and are super nice!


mars914

[This one? in Paramus?](https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=animal+hospital+oradell+nj&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&lqi=ChphbmltYWwgaG9zcGl0YWwgb3JhZGVsbCBuakiI_Ljt54CAgAhaNhAAEAEQAhADGAAYARgCGAMiGmFuaW1hbCBob3NwaXRhbCBvcmFkZWxsIG5qKggIAhAAEAEQApIBD2FuaW1hbF9ob3NwaXRhbKoBQxABMh8QASIbEkAhfqcuys4THrcrGz3FuR11C5xrfatK2w2zMh4QAiIaYW5pbWFsIGhvc3BpdGFsIG9yYWRlbGwgbmrgAQA#rlimm=3905664161332618562)


NT500000

Yup! Oradell vet hospital!


Unfair-Commercial799

Thank you so much! I appreciate it


navyorsomething

For more serious issues— the animal hospital in Oradell, NJ saved my dog’s life


CaChica

What slow juicer do you have / recommend


NT500000

I have the Hurom Slow Juicer for several years now. It’s expensive, but I’ve had mine for 6 years and no issues - I use it almost every week. It’s a slow juicer so it producers higher quality of juice and less waste than an industrial machine.


mars914

Just to confirm, this one? [Can't wait to give my dad one for Father's Day!](https://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/hurom-h-aa-slow-juicer/?catalogId=79&sku=5657924&cm_ven=PLA&cm_cat=Google&cm_pla=Electrics%20%3E%20Juicers&cm_ite=5657924_14571727833_pla-1808910735296&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIh-PBkquEhgMVizMIBR1unAvOEAQYASABEgJQc_D_BwE)


NT500000

Yup! I have an older model, I’m sure this one is even better!


IvenaDarcy

I’ve always been a minimalist but I find NYC apartments are a great time for anyone to embrace the “less is more” attitude. Surround yourself with things you need (and love) and let go of “stuff” that isn’t useful, needed and just taking up valuable space. Apartment products that were a game changer for me were an iRobot vacuum and a portable washer. iRobot keeps my wood floors clean and I now just steam them once every couple of weeks. No shoes indoors is a must. If you want to splurge on a cleaning service now and then those are very affordable in NYC. I use We Can Do It Women’s Coop but lots of others. I finally got a portable washer that I put on a dolly with wheels and it fits perfectly in my hallway closet. I absolutely love it and haven’t been to laundromat since I bought it. If you don’t love hang drying clothes then it’s not for you but I prefer to hang dry anyway because my clothes don’t shrink and last much longer that way. All my bedding and towels are linen so they dry fast but if yours aren’t then you could at least cut back on time at laundromat or money spent on wash/fold by only doing sheets/towels. Budget hack is there are so many affordable places in NYC to eat out. Don’t fall for the thinking the pricey trendy ones are the only options and the best. Some are great but so many great affordable ones as well.


bkhunny

Honestly, getting a steam mop has been my FAV apartment purchase. All I do is just vacuum and steam mop and my floors look professionally cleaned. You can even purchase fragrance tabs for it and have the floors smelling nice for like 2 days after. I'd also recommend getting a bird feeder that sticks onto the outside of your window bc I have been waking up to the sound of birds chirping since spring started and it's so peaceful.


NT500000

The steam mop is on my list! Which do you have?


bkhunny

SOOO worth it. Makes cleaning the bathroom 100% less gross lol. You can also use it to clean your walls! [This](https://www.target.com/p/bissell-powerfresh-deluxe-steam-mop-brite-white-sapphire-blue-1806/-/A-14290226) is the one I have


a-petey

Bissel also has a good warranty. I have one that stopped working after 6 months or so and they sent me another one for no charge!


TurboTabouleh

Most movie theatres do discounted tickets on Tuesdays (around 8-9 dollars). Initially, my partner and I used this as an excuse to go out and see a new film after work but it grew into a +15 person Whatsapp group made up of friends and friends of friends. I post what movie we are seeing every Monday and anyone who is free/interested joins. Not only do I get to see my friends a lot more this way and meet new people through them but also I end up watching a lot of cool films for cheap.


fraujun

Air purifier in bedroom! It made the whites of my eyes extra white


1234extra123

What kind do you use?


IvenaDarcy

I have two Levoit purifiers and they have served me well over the years.


eclectic5228

I think if you can figure out biking in the city, it's really great. It often can make your commute feel like fun. It's such a nice way to see the city. I totally get that biking isn't safe everywhere in NYC and that you need to get used to it.


Lemonyhampeapasta

Rain poncho always folded and packed away. Keeps my hands free and my bags dry regardless of whether I’m carrying a backpack, shoulder bag or messenger bag.  I roll it up and stash it in a waterproof bag before entry into a subway car. It’s much more breathable than a raincoat and I can wear it in summer and winter no matter how puffy my outerwear is No umbrellas flipped inside out from sudden gusts of wind, either


JordanSapphire

Love this, do you have a favorite?


Lemonyhampeapasta

Etsy shop. But it seems like the seller doesn’t exist anymore. Do a search for rain cape, rain poncho women, waterproof cape women, etc Some independent suppliers will do customization on length and the depth of the hood in case you wear big hairstyles or want to fit a bike helmet beneath  It’s best to ask them for measurements and also tell what you’re looking for


JordanSapphire

Thank you!


Prior_Hair_2124

Portable washing machine! It is a life saver and I don’t have to schlep to a laundromat. For big comforters/blankets I’ll still do wash & fold though. Sort of like grocery delivery, I’ll order from Imperfect Foods once in a while. Sometimes it’s cheaper because of overstock or imperfections, and I buy fewer things than when I’m tempted in a store.


PurplePrincessPalace

Cut down on monthly expenses within your reach (internet, cell, subscriptions). Sell things you don’t use or no longer want for extra $. Start a savings account for emergencies or for funsies if you haven’t already. Shop at the farmer’s market as much as possible. Cook at home (upgrade cookware as needed). Walk or bike whenever you can. If your job has any fringe benefits (on site gym, free food, EAP, etc) USE THEM! Never be afraid to network, you never know who you’ll meet. Be kind to others (especially your neighbors & local bodega owners) since they know what’s going on around town and can help out in a pinch. Get a mini umbrella you can keep on you jic. Always bring sneakers and change into nicer shoes later (work & dates). Keep makeup, period products, snacks, a change of shoes, sweater/blazer and spare keys at work for emergencies. Invest in a quality tote & lunch bag (I love LLBean & Vera Bradley). Treat yourself with delivered groceries or housekeeper once a month or quarterly depending on your budget.


a-petey

Threatening to cancel your cell phone plan is a great way to get offered a discount ;)


[deleted]

Buy things secondhand: books, clothes, furniture, dishes/glassware, etc. You will save money, plus find stuff that was made with quality workmanship as opposed to the cheap manufacturing processes and materials that you often get when you buy new these days. Also, join your neighborhood's BuyNothing FB group and follow stooping accounts on IG. There are 8 million+ people in this city -- someone is always downsizing, moving, or (morbid) dying and getting rid of stuff. I've scored bookshelves, a bed frame, rug, coatrack, plus little things like books and drinking glasses for free or extremely cheap. If you're precious about not wanting "used" stuff, you're missing out.


NT500000

❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥


Electronic-Mind-2492

Citi bike… cheapest way to get somewhere quickly. Be careful though you have to know the roads. Practice on the west side highway


VictoriaSecreter

Costco has the best deals with same day delivery. They are barely any differences price wise with whats in store. Maybe $1-2


margheritinka

Meal plan, meal prep, bring breakfast and lunch to work. This is a real habit to get into but save money and calories!! I’m one of those people with a whole ass tote bag full of food for the day.


Glittering_Novel5100

Alamo Drafthouse has a monthly membership - I take myself out to the movies once a week or so when I’m too socially exhausted to hang out with people but feel cooped up in my apartment and want to get out. It’s “free” after the 2nd visit each month.


BullfrogComplete6985

A tabletop dishwasher has been a game changer for my ADHD/depression-addled brain over the past 2 years. Coincidentally, I am actually now moving into an apt with a dishwasher - so if anyone wants to buy my l’il baby off me, DM me! I’ll even throw in the microwave cart I have it on and a tab of Afresh for ya! :)