The USB Prices and Earnings Report of 2010 ranked New York as the fourteenth most expensive city in the world. When you’re struggling to make ends meet, living in a city can seem like a financial drain at the best of times. There are a few ways you can help ease your cash flow issues including shopping co-ops, bargaining and group health benefits. New York is expensive but it doesn’t have to be financially impossible!

Shopping co-ops have been around for a long time. These can be an informal arrangement between friends or run on an organized basis. A shopping co-op is where a number of people pool resources to buy in bulk from produce markets, then share the goods. This means that transport costs to out of town markets are shared as only one vehicle is making the trip and you will have access to a fresher, cheaper selection of goods than you would find at your local supermarket.

Learn to haggle – it’s not just for markets or when you’re traveling. When you’re buying a new fridge, ask them what the price would be if you can pay cash. Shop around and challenge prices. You might be surprised at the discounts you can obtain.

Check out your health care options. You might be able to access cheaper health insurance via your job, which could help cut down on regular outgoings. Premiums are usually lower if you are eligible for your employer’s group health benefits in New York.  Living in New York can be expensive, but there are ways you can trim your costs without depriving yourself.
 

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