Name: Sarah ProtzmanAge: 27
Neighborhood: Murray Hill
Day job: Copy editor at a major magazine company
Ideal job: Freelance magazine writer/blogger
1) How long have you been in NYC?
Two and a half years! I still can't decide if it feels longer or shorter than that.
2) How long have you been blogging and why did you start New New Yorkers?
I've been blogging since 2003, but only recently started NewNewYorkers. It began due to the memoir I wrote about my first two years in NYC. I realized there were so many situations in the book — funny, sad, exciting or disappointing — that I could reapply to create helpful tools for new New Yorkers, many of whom are just as overwhelmed and cash-poor as I was (er, as I am).
3) Are you a full time blogger? What blogging tips can you share with us?
I'm not a full-time blogger, but my advice is to write what you know. When people read blogs, they're looking for something beyond what they can Google — an honest, intelligent perspective with a degree of utility. And it's important to me to offer a two-way conversation with my readers.
4) Where were you from originally and what made you move to NYC?
I was born and raised in Dallas, but have lived many places since then. Immediately prior to NYC, I lived in Colorado, and while I loved my job an arts writer and single-life columnist, I was daydreaming about New York. I knew I'd look back and kick myself if I didn't live here as a 20-something.
5) What aspects of your life would you consider frugal?
I'm frugal no matter what I'm buying, but I'd say apparel-wise, I'm extra savvy. Save for two pairs of shoes that were a gift, nothing in my closet cost more than $80 — and most of it is WAY less than that. I don't own anything I don't love. New York closets are too small to hold everything you never wear.
6) What is the best frugal living tip you have picked up since moving to NYC?
How to shop Craigslist! I've bought and sold lots of stuff on there, like gently used furniture or electronics. I've also found both NYC apartments I've had on Craigslist; I've never paid a dime to a broker.
7) What is your favorite and least favorite thing about NYC?
My favorite is how unpredictable and bottomless this city is — you never know how incredible your day could turn out to be. Least favorite? Anything that's overpriced. I guess the main culprits are groceries, toiletries and haircuts.
8) Is there anything else you would like to share with readers of FrugalNYC?
Yes! Ignore anyone who talks about life in NYC using the words impossible, everyone, always or no one. This city CAN be figured out, no matter how daunting or expensive it can be. And remember that matter what you're making, there's someone else living on less.
Two and a half years! I still can't decide if it feels longer or shorter than that.
2) How long have you been blogging and why did you start New New Yorkers?
I've been blogging since 2003, but only recently started NewNewYorkers. It began due to the memoir I wrote about my first two years in NYC. I realized there were so many situations in the book — funny, sad, exciting or disappointing — that I could reapply to create helpful tools for new New Yorkers, many of whom are just as overwhelmed and cash-poor as I was (er, as I am).
3) Are you a full time blogger? What blogging tips can you share with us?
I'm not a full-time blogger, but my advice is to write what you know. When people read blogs, they're looking for something beyond what they can Google — an honest, intelligent perspective with a degree of utility. And it's important to me to offer a two-way conversation with my readers.
4) Where were you from originally and what made you move to NYC?
I was born and raised in Dallas, but have lived many places since then. Immediately prior to NYC, I lived in Colorado, and while I loved my job an arts writer and single-life columnist, I was daydreaming about New York. I knew I'd look back and kick myself if I didn't live here as a 20-something.
5) What aspects of your life would you consider frugal?
I'm frugal no matter what I'm buying, but I'd say apparel-wise, I'm extra savvy. Save for two pairs of shoes that were a gift, nothing in my closet cost more than $80 — and most of it is WAY less than that. I don't own anything I don't love. New York closets are too small to hold everything you never wear.
6) What is the best frugal living tip you have picked up since moving to NYC?
How to shop Craigslist! I've bought and sold lots of stuff on there, like gently used furniture or electronics. I've also found both NYC apartments I've had on Craigslist; I've never paid a dime to a broker.
7) What is your favorite and least favorite thing about NYC?
My favorite is how unpredictable and bottomless this city is — you never know how incredible your day could turn out to be. Least favorite? Anything that's overpriced. I guess the main culprits are groceries, toiletries and haircuts.
8) Is there anything else you would like to share with readers of FrugalNYC?
Yes! Ignore anyone who talks about life in NYC using the words impossible, everyone, always or no one. This city CAN be figured out, no matter how daunting or expensive it can be. And remember that matter what you're making, there's someone else living on less.
You can find more about Sarah at her New New Yorkers blog. You can also find an interview of myself on her blog. If you are a blogger in NYC and would like to be featured on FrugalNYC or would like to guest blog on FrugalNYC, send us an email or a DM via twitter.
If you have questions for myself or Sarah, please leave a comment. I hope you have enjoyed this post. If you would like to see more posts like this, us know in the comments.
For additional links to frugal tips and tricks follow me on Twitter. If you would like to contribute to FrugalNYC in any way feel free to contact me via email. Click here to add FrugalNYC to your RSS reader or Subscribe to FrugalNYC by Email.
4 comments:
How frugal is Murry Hill? I'm interested to know how she's able to afford to live in Murray Hill which one of the most expensive area in Manhattan.
@nuyorican
She did say she was sharing an apartment, which definitely cuts down on rent. Aside from that, I would have to leave the question to Sarah herself.
As for Murray Hill itself, well, it can run you a lot to live there. I don't have any wealthy uncles financing me :) ... all I can speak for is my rent — $815 a month, with about $20 in utilities. A very old building, not renovated. Not for princesses! :)
@Sarah
That's a chunk of change. Considering I know people who share apartments in the outer boroughs at about half that price. I had friends who shared apartments in the upper west side, paid over 1k each / mo.
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