# @natashabadger on Instagram

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DTeVllKESMD
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/63324210-natashabadger-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/82533ea2fa.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-01-14T02:18:28.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Natasha Badger (@natashabadger) — https://gondola.cc/natashabadger

## Caption

How I afford to live alone in NYC at 26

For context:
• I pay $2,700/month for my studio apartment in New York City
• When I first moved to NYC, I was making ~$80k and living with a roommate 
• I made strategic baby steps to get to where I am today (which isn’t even close to my “end goal”, but we’re doing great!!) 

Most “how I afford NYC” videos focus on cutting everything back.

What actually changed my life was focusing on growth instead of restriction.

I stopped asking:
“Can I technically afford this?”

And started asking:
“Does this move me closer to the next level of my life and income?”

That meant real trade-offs:
• Cooking at home more
• Being intentional with shopping
• Saying no unless it was a full yes (if it’s not an F Yes it’s and F No!) 
• Spending on things that felt like investments, not impulse buys

This apartment was scary when I signed the lease.
It was slightly over budget by $300/month. But I knew in my gut that it was the right move for future me. 

And shortly after? I got a raise I didn’t even ask for — almost the exact difference.

THAT’S what investing in yourself and trusting your instincts means. 

Take this with a grain of salt:
This isn’t about reckless spending or manifesting your way into debt.

It’s about aligning your money with the version of you you’re building toward.

If you’re navigating NYC rent, career growth, or living alone in your 20s — Trust yourself, you got this.

#nycliving #nycstudioapartment #nycrent #investinyou

## Stats

- **Views:** 9,053
- **Likes:** 345
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 18

## Tags

investinyou, nycrent, nycliving, nycstudioapartment

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