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.