Find Free and Cheap Events in NYC

When looking for stuff to do in New York, it's easy to become overwhelmed. There are so many events, so many places to see, and so many things to do. It's a downright drag though to find an event that sounds super fun and then realize it costs more than a week's worth of groceries. Thanks, but no thanks. 

Lucky for us nickel-less New Yorkers, we have The Skint. The Skint (which is British slang for poor) is a website that publishes a list of the best free and cheap events happening in New York each day. Posted around 2 PM on weekdays, the list includes events like pop up markets, concerts, lectures, and parties. They also post a weekend report on Friday nights for events happening on Saturday and Sundays. I have been a faithful reader of the Skint for many years now and can honestly say that I've discovered some of my very favorite spots from their recommendations. It is truly the best resource for fun free and cheap events in New York. You don't have to spend an arm and a leg in New York to have a good time, I promise.

So take a peek, you won't be disappointed!

Save $1378 This Year

If you haven't heard of the 52 Week Money Challenge, get ready for your mind to be blown! The only way to save money is to make it a sustainable habit. And here's an easy way to do it.

The challenge is simple. Each week for the next year put one dollar more in savings than you did the week before. Since I'm assuming last week, you didn't put any money in savings, this week, put one dollar away. Next week, put two dollars away. On week three, put away three dollars. And continue all the way until week 52 when you will put $52 away. By the end of the year, you'll end up with almost $1400 saved. You can hold onto it, or spend it on whatever your little heart desires.The gradual increase is manageable and the most you'll ever be putting away in one week is $52...so the challenge is definitely doable. 

This printable version is the prettiest representation I've seen yet. I'm committing to the challenge and have put my chart up in my room next to a pictures of things I may want to spend the money on at year's end...a tropical vacation, a new pair of shoes, an Ipad to replace my 5 year old laptop. All three perhaps?

So what's stopping you from saving this year?

Best Affordable Yoga Studio in NYC

I recently got super into doing yoga. I had no trouble finding a yoga studio, there seems to be one on every block, but I had difficulty finding one that I felt was both well led and affordable. My options were either paying $30 for an hour long class or settling for a free one inside a dingy, sketchy studio. I was determined to find a happy medium so I tested out several different studios that offer inexpensive classes. The best one by far is Yoga to the People.

There are so many things to love about Yoga to the People.

1. All skill levels are welcome- There are beginners and people who look like they've been doing yoga all their lives. Instructors encourage participants to modify or intensify any of the poses according to their skill level. 

2. Classes all the time- there are classes all day, every day so it's easy to find one that fits into your schedule. The classes are on a first come, first serve basis and do not require registration. Classes are popular but in the few month's I've been going, I've only been to two or three class where they reached capacity. 

3. So many locations- there are five studios in NYC so it's easy to find one that's close by.

4. Most importantly for this girl...it's inexpensive. None of the classes cost more than $10 and many are donation based. You leave whatever contribution you can in a tissue box on your way out. There is absolutely no judgement! Patrons who don't want to schlep their mat (or don't have one) can rent a mat for just $2.

Check out their website for the full class schedule and enjoy zenning out without spending an arm and a leg.

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with Yoga to the People in any way and my opinions are entirely my own.

Get Freebies from Local Businesses using the Paypal Mobile App

Every once in a while there's a deal that just seems too good to be true. When a friend excitedly told me he had gotten free breakfast for a week using the PayPal App, I was skeptical. But never one to pass up a chance for a freebie, I downloaded the app to see what the hype was all about. Here's the skinny:

What is Paypal? An international e-commerce business allowing payments and money transfers to be made through the Internet (Thanks Wikipedia!) Or in other words, it's a way to pay for items without cash or a physical credit card

How does it work? Once you've downloaded the app onto your phone (it's free and compatible for iOS, Android and Windows Phones), you link your account to an existing credit or debit card. You'll be asked to take a photo so that when you make a purchase, participating retailers can verify your identity. The app uses your location to display restaurants and retailers that accept Paypal in the area. Then you can select a restaurant and in some cases order ahead.

How can I get free stuff? The app's "Offer" section is where you'll find freebies and discounts. Businesses that are doing promotions are displayed in this section. The Bean, Pomme Frites, Viva Crepe, and Van Leeuwen Ice Cream are among the business that currently have offers which range from $3 to $10 off any purchase. What's great is that unlike a lot of couponing apps, there's no minimum purchase. In fact, you can redeem the offer for less than the promotional price and save the rest for another visit. For example, I used the $3 off offer at The Bean for an ice coffee and still have 50 cents I can use the next time I order there.

So go ahead and treat yourself to a free cone or coffee or muffin- you deserve it for being so frugal! 

Enjoy Free Gourmet Treats from TableHoppingNY!

TableHoppingNY is a company that partners with restaurants throughout New York to connect customers with culinary experiences in the city. It is a great resource to find restaurants, bars, and events according to your specific tastes and neighborhood. As an added perk, members of TableHopping's mailing list regularly receive exclusive offers for free treats. Registration is easy and, of course, free! Simply fill out their registration form (click here) and you'll begin receiving emails with their exclusive offers. Once you are notified of an offer, simply confirm receipt of the email and they will send you a second email with a confirmation number to show the restaurant when you redeem the offer. Over the past three months, I've received offers for a personal chicken pot pie from Tuckshop, a cupcake from Billy's Bakery, an ice cream sandwich from Melt Bakery, and an order of Pommes Frites among other things. Most of the offers are valid for a limited time so be sure to redeem them promptly after receiving the email. What could be better than opening you're email just to find out that there's a free ice cream sandwich waiting for you just down the street!

Learn Something New at Presentation Party Night

Ever wanted to know the history of the hot sauce industry? Or how stand-up comics develop their material? Maybe you're wondering how the deep web works or how scientists can create burgers using in vitro. These are just some of the many topics that have been explored at the monthly Presentation Party Night held on the 3rd Sunday of every month at Bat Haus in Bushwick, Brooklyn. The event is comprised of a lineup of ten minute presentations. Each presentation is followed by a brief question and answer session. And did I mention that there is free booze and snacks? The Brooklyn Brewery, Brooklyn Salsa Company, and Zico Coconut water sponsor the event and provide gratis food and drink. Many of the guests also bring snacks to share and the spread is usually plentiful.

Photo Credit: PPN Website

Photo Credit: PPN Website

I'll admit the whole idea sounds a little bit crazy and I was pretty apprehensive about going the first time. But I have thoroughly enjoyed each of the Presentation Party Nights I have attended and learned about stuff I would have had no understanding or awareness of had I not gone. The presentations are consistently intriguing, the crowd is always fun, and the free food & drink is just the icing on the cake. The next PPN is on February 16th and is rumored to be Valentines Day themed. I can't wait for the line up of presentations to be announced. Save the date!

Visit their website for more information and like them on Facebook to be notified about upcoming events.

Free Yogurt Day on Monday September, 23rd!

Alert frozen yogurt fans! This Monday, Yogurtland is celebrating CBS Premiere Week with free frozen yogurt. Just redeem the online offer on their Facebook page and they'll email you a coupon for 5 oz of the good stuff free! (Link here). There are four locations in New York, including one just a few blocks from FIT for all my fellow classmates. And they also recently opened one in Park Slope! My personal flavor recommendation? Their praline and pecan yogurt. Super yummy!

NYC Yogurtland Locations:

Lenox Hill

1275 First Ave @ 69th St

Midtown

358 Seventh Ave @ 29th St

Downtown

420 Amsterdam Avenue

Corner of Chamber St

Park Slope

207 Seventh Ave @ 4th St

Check out their website for more details about flavors, nutrition, and locations!

How to See Free and Cheap Movies in NYC

Videology in Williamsburg

I love movies. Whether it's drooling over Ryan Gosling in a rom-com, getting absorbed in the plot twists of a thriller, or taking in the action of a super hero flick, the way a movie can transport the audience to another world is just so enjoyable. Unfortunately, going to the movies is no longer a budget-friendly form of entertainment, at least not in New York City. I almost gagged yesterday when I stopped by the theater on 34th St and saw that a ticket for the Great Gatsby in 3D is $18.50! To make matters worse, living in a tiny apartment, I don't have space for a TV or DVD player so I can't even rent my old favorites. But I refuse to let these finance-related issues get in the way of my movie enjoyment. Living the frugal life in NYC, I've discovered some free and cheap ways to see films on a regular basis. I'll let you in on my secrets:

• Go early!- Did you know that if you see a movie before 12 PM at an AMC theater, it's only $8? To me, this is still a pretty steep price for an hour and a half of entertainment, but it's better than shelling out $13.50 to see the same movie eight hours later.
• Attend a pre-release screening!- Major production companies sponsor free screenings for movies that are not even out yet as a way to generate buzz about their films. Tickets can be purchased online and usually go fast. I stay updated on new screenings by visiting Screenings.com, a site that lists current free showings by city.
• Go to the library!-I've mentioned this before, but individual New York Public Libraries host free movie screenings almost everyday. This week alone there are showings for an array of films including recent blockbuster Gangster Squad, Audrey Hepburn classic Breakfast at Tiffany's,  and 1940's musical Stormy Weather. Check out their calendar of film screenings here to see what else will be showing. 
• Check out Videology!-This place is almost too good to be true, and I've kept it a secret because I selfishly don't want anyone else to find out about it. But out of a moral obligation to my fellow penny-pinchers, I will share. Located in Williamsburg, Videology is a bar and movie rental store with a screening room in the back. They have movie screenings almost every night, many which are free. Drinks are available for purchase and viewers are allowed to bring their own food in. The calendar of events is as eclectic as the crowd it attracts. Visit their website for directions and a list of upcoming screenings.
• See a movie outside!- As the weather warms up, outdoor movie screenings abound. Central, Bryant, and Thompson Square Park are just a few of the city parks where I've caught a movie. And Rooftop Film just kicked off their season of outdoor movie showings, some of which you can see free of charge. 

Going to a full price movie every once in a while is worth it. But there are so many other options when it comes to seeing quality cinema that doesn't have to cost you an arm and a leg. Happy movie watching!

Tell a Joke, Get a Free Pretzel!

Chewy, buttery, salty...don't get me started on how much I love soft pretzels. Lucky for me and my fellow pretzel-appreciators, this Friday is National Pretzel Day which means Pretzelmaker is doling out free pretzels (salted and unsalted) all day to anyone who a.) tells a joke or b.) says "National Pretzel Day." The participating New York City locations are...

MANHATTAN: Mrs. Fields/Pretzelmaker 501 5th Avenue Port Authority/Mrs. Fields/Pretzelmaker 625 8th Avenue, S. Wing, 2nd Floor BROOKLYN: Kings Plaza  5100 Flatbush Avenue, Suite 110 Atlantic Terminal  139 Flatbush Ave., #A-2

And, according to Pretzelmaker's  Facebook page, if you Tweet or Instagram a photo of your free snack with the hashtag #nationalpretzelday, you can recieve an additional "special twisted treat". So brush up on your knock-knock jokes and get ready to sink your teeth into a freshly baked pretzel.