A Broke Girl's Playlist

Generally I use this blog as a platform to share practical tips and information as a service to my fellow tightwad New Yorkers. But today's post is entirely for fun. I don't consider myself a music aficionado; I'm unashamed to admit most of the music on my Ipod can be heard on any Top 40 radio station and that I enjoy a good country song on occasion...okay, almost everyday. But none-the-less, I enjoy music. They say that art imitates life so it's no surprise that songwriters pen ballads about experiences that we all go through; falling in love, breakups, and yes...being strapped for cash. In fact, I realized some of my favorite songs are about people who are strapped for cash. I decided to dive into my Itunes library and compose a playlist of my favorite finance-related songs. So here it is...

Tahlia's Broke Girl Playlist:

1. I Need A Dollar

Aloe Blacc
Not only is this a great song, but the music video makes me proud to be a struggling New Yorker.

2. Rich Girl

Gwen Stefani
Preach it sister!

3. Thrift Shop

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
I can appreciate a man who thinks $20 in his pocket is a fortune.

4. Money, Money, Money

Abba via Meryl Streep
...because no one is cooler than Meryl

5. She Works Hard for The Money

Donna Summers

This is a great auditory motivator when your dragging yourself out of bed to go to work.

6. Love Like Crazy

Lee Brice 

A great song about a self-made man.

7. Gold Digger

Gunther
I just giggle every time I hear this song.

8. Rent

The Cast of Rent

I wish I could send this MP3 to my landlord each month in lieu of a check.

9. It's All About the Benjamins

Puff Daddy

If anyone knows about money, it's Diddy.

How to Spend Your Birthday When Broke In NYC

As my 20th birthday approached, I started to feel a sense of dread. Not only because I was relinquishing my teendom but also because I couldn't afford to throw a big party or even go out to dinner with friends. So how's a broke girl supposed to celebrate her birthday in style? By stocking up on birthday freebies of course! And New York City abounds in them.

I did a little research and found this website.: http://www.freebie-depot.com/birthday-freebie-list/
It lists hundreds of freebies you can get from various restaurants, stores, and entertainment venues on your birthday. It's an exhaustive list but I weeded through them until I found a few gems.

Some of the best for New Yorkers are...

• Au Bon Pain- which offers a free sandwich or salad during your birthday week
• Moe's Southwest Grill- I picked up a free burrito at their Penn Station location
• Sprinkles- who entitles you to a free cupcake of your choosing on your birthday. Combine that with their whisper word promotion and you'll get two free cupcakes!
• Rita's Ices- a free ice during your birthday week

And lastly, Big Daddy's Diner who will comp your meal on your birthday. With dishes on their menu like oreo pancakes and a burger stuffed with mac and cheese, it's the perfect place to indulge on your birthday. I went to their Gramercy Park location and special ordered their bran pancakes with chocolate chunks. My date (okay it was my dad who had spent the day helping me move into my new apartment) got the Grand Daddy Burger. The service was phenomenal and the atmosphere great!

When all was said and done, I was a happy (and stuffed!) birthday girl without spending a dime.