How I Afford NYC Living On $17K A Year | Millennial Money

[@CNBCMakeIt]

What's your budget breakdown? We're looking for stories from all ages, not just millennials! Share your story with us for a chance to be featured in a future installment of Millennial Money: cnb.cx/32TYZ2K

[@GABRIEL_CRAFT]

It would be really great if you all would make some more content of people living on a low income, saving or at least maintaining an emergency fund and thriving. This is an interesting story however, in the present moment the person is eating savings and so this isn't really a sustainable option for a lot of young folks.

[@LA-cm9ly]

Get someone over 40

[@the.magic.catbus9459]

You should cover someone who makes $17k a year working a minimum wage job.

[@beaniemac]

Cliff notes: he's living off his savings primarily

[@namhoang6569]

Yeah, but his expenses is still very low considering NYC, and his savings is only $10k.

[@felipefernandes.1]

he does not have rent to pay so, for me he spend to much@@namhoang6569

[@andremartinez418]

​@@namhoang6569his expenses in January were $2,796 and he says his spending habits haven't changed much. Which would come out to about $33.5k a year. Definitely misleading compared to the "living on $17k a year" title

[@jensumayer]

I can live on $0 income while running down my savings and pursuing my dreams. How does that make me the subject of a documentary?

[@Re3iRtH]

​@@jensumayerThey are running out of interesting people

[@seasong7655]

If you're using your savings you're not "affording" to live there

[@tellmewhyaintnothinbutaheartac]

afford definition : “have enough money to live there” he affords it

[@SarahRamsingh]

You absolutely can afford to live in NYC for 17k a year. You just have to live in a cardboard box and dumpster dive.

[@porthospatel1683]

everyone uses their savings

[@thaanonymous776]

That doesn't make sense: a retired person living off a lifetime of accumulated savings couldn't "afford" to live anywhere based on your comment. "Affording" anything only requires the means to pay for it-- it doesn't require recurring income.

[@jayocean4724]

Savings is technically income.... Retired people primarily are living off savings

[@perfectbreakfast]

He is spending his savings, I feel like they click-bated us on this one. He is great but the video title is clickbait

[@arex9000]

I'll take this over an influencer or someone who makes 500,000

[@namhoang6569]

@@arex9000 lol, agree

[@Re3iRtH]

​@@arex9000you act like the person who makes 500k a year stole it 😂

[@beatricerights]

@@Re3iRtH I guess they can relate more to the person featured than an influencer making 500k.

[@seal7513]

@@beatricerights the guy is breedable. White men are the best

[@romanceray2994]

If you are planning for retirement Here are some key pointers. Firstly, kick-start your savings early to benefit from compounding. The longer your money has to grow, the better. Secondly, make the most of retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs, especially if your employer offers a matching contribution - it's essentially free money. Thirdly, diversify your investments across different assets to mitigate risk. Think stocks, bonds, and real estate.

[@mykreid]

Great advice for retirement planning! Starting early and taking advantage of employer-sponsored plans can make a huge difference in the long run. And diversifying investments is crucial for managing risk. Thanks for sharing these valuable tips!

[@suziehovic]

Spot on! Planning for retirement is crucial, and these pointers are gold. Diversifying investments is a key strategy plus, having an investment expert by your side can really help navigate the complexities and optimize your financial plan.

[@GrahamCan]

Absolutely! Diversifying investments is crucial for long-term success. Having a fiduciary has been transformative. She navigates market fluctuations, identifies opportunities, and keeps me on track for retirement. Her tailored advice boosts confidence and informed decisions. Trusting her skills brings peace of mind, ensuring my future is secure.

[@EmilianoLeonardo1]

That's truly remarkable. I hope you don't mind pointing me towards her direction.

[@GrahamCan]

I don't mind, she's Sophia Elaine. One of the finest portfolio managers in the field.

[@jujubees711]

Misleading headline. He's not living in New York for $17,000 a year. He's living off that and his savings. He spent almost $2800 in January. If he averages that throughout the year, then he's living in NYC for around $33,600 per year. Which is $16,600 over $17,000. Because guess what? You can't live here in NYC for $1700 a year. He makes money as an actor and he maintains luxury cars for the rich and he gets paid $20 an hour. Unbelievable. This is exactly why people can't make a liveable wage.

[@kickflipcolin]

I make 18k a year and live in Brooklyn, it's very possible if you're frugal. You also have to live with roommates.

[@hazelbasil6451]

​@@kickflipcolinAre you actually "living" though? Or just barely surviving? I hope things imprive for you?

[@milkiways1]

He might get tips or have more part-time jobs. In 2010, my roommate's boyfriend made $90k/year from tips at a NYC restaurant.

[@marvinbrown1717]

Technically Max is using savings to sustain his life, BUT I still love this episode. He had the opportunity to do the 9 to 5, it wasn't for him and he took the risk of doing something else. I say KUDOS and wish him well. Personally, I didn't have anyone else to fall back on, so stability was more of a priority when selecting a career.

[@janayr1920]

I really liked this one too

[@danielp415]

He embodies an entire NYC sub-population: the hopeless creative, sustaining themselves through a finite savings account (or parents), trying not to let the dream of "making it in NYC" die. Hope he's one of the lucky ones.

[@hakuchu]

thank you for saving me 9 minutes of my life

[@danielp415]

@@hakuchu pay it forward brother

[@Dakid015]

Also in LA

[@gaborone267]

The immigrant in me cannot comprehend these choices…

[@chatbass2468]

lol, I feel ya...but if he's young and single, go for it...but put an end time

[@JF-vw9lv]

The american born to immigrant parents cannot comprehend these choices either

[@azrrrrrrrr]

why? you are forced to work to support parents or?@@JF-vw9lv

[@crishnaholmes7730]

@@JF-vw9lvwhat do you mean

[@crishnaholmes7730]

What do you mean

[@forretresss]

Analyzing his scenario, if he likes acting, why not be a youtuber? He could easily be a car review guy because of his knowledge with working with cars. Start small and expand your team. KZbin/Tiktok has been a new frontier for people to make money in front of the screen.

[@thinkinenglish4877]

And even if you “make it,” you might still have lots of periods where you’re not working and none of it is in your control. Lots of actors have decided the same thing. With KZbin you do have some level of control and can create work for yourself… short films?

[@Arasaka-yw5em]

Bro isn’t affording to live. He’s dipping in to his savings which is down to $10k. His average monthly spend is $2,796. He’s only got about 3.5 months with that, and even if he has an average of $17k or $25k in his bank account, it won’t be enough for a whole year. Unstable gigs and part time jobs can only sustain him for a few months. The cycle will just repeat itself. Video shows he looks upbeat and energized, but inside I think this dude is struggling. I hope CNBC compensated him a decent amount to make this video.

[@maxwellgallo]

I’m prioritizing happiness, I work one day a week. I can easily meet my expenses with another $15k a year working anywhere. I wanted this to inspire to others to follow their dreams. No one says you have to do it to the degree I am

[@leechrec]

@@maxwellgalloYou go brotha. If you can make it work, then onwards to achieving the dream!

[@dib327]

@@maxwellgalloSpending all your savings to pursue acting is wild.

[@FinancialShinanigan]

Here when the title read $17,00

[@monica4158]

Same!

[@TheNoerdy]

But he actually did make $17,000… it’s not a typo

[@TravelerSanna]

*And the close captioning text read $117,000.* 😏😏

[@queencooljewel2433]

Won’t be like that for long!

[@TheNoerdy]

@@TravelerSanna Closed captioning is auto-generated.

[@tahirisaid2693]

Relying solely on social security isn't advisable. I've learned that the most efficient path to wealth, both in acquiring a million and sustaining billionaire status, is through wise investment strategies.

[@TinaMyles]

Do you mind sharing info of the adviser who assists you.?

[@TinaMyles]

I looked up her full name online and found her page. I emailed and made an appointment to talk with her; hopefully, she gets back to me.

[@ThriftyCHNR]

People shouldn't criticize. He is a starving artist by choice. I'm sure if he runs low on funds he will have to adapt with a different strategy. It's great that CNBC is featuring people at different economic levels of living.

[@babyfreezer]

poor but not starving, he should not be spendign 480 on subscriptions and 680 on food...

[@Newuser886]

It feels like a promo vid for the actor

[@kortyEdna825]

More and more people might face a tough time in retirement. Low-paying jobs, inflation, and high rents make it hard to save. Now, middle-class Americans find it tough to own a home too, leaving them without a place to retire.

[@Justinmeyer1000]

This is precisely why I like having a portfolio coach guide my day-to-day market decisions: with their extensive knowledge of going long and short at the same time, using risk for its asymmetrical upside and laying it off as a hedge against the inevitable downward turns, their skillset makes it nearly impossible for them to underperform. I've been utilizing a portfolio coach for more than two years, and I've made over $800,000.

[@Pamela.jess.245]

How can I reach this person?

[@Justinmeyer1000]

'Aileen Gertrude Tippy’ maintains an online presence. Just make a simple search for her name online.

[@Pamela.jess.245]

I checked Gertrude up out of curiosity and i must say i am impressed by her Credentials. i emailed her already, waiting on her response.

[@bluckamey]

I hope his dreams of being a successful actor comes true.

[@maxwellgallo]

Me too

[@martinkrukenberg4590]

it wont happen. as in case of 99% of actors

[@bluckamey]

@@martinkrukenberg4590 well, I hope he proves you wrong

[@martinkrukenberg4590]

@@bluckamey dream on

[@Chrissieb.rackett]

It makes me stressed how not stressed he is about his financial situation. That being said- love how he’s living his life the way he wants!! Good for you baby boy

[@mariiafilatova3979]

I want to wish the best of luck to Max, it's extremely hard to chase your dreams, but it's worth it!

[@td69]

Dudes living in lala land

[@maxwellgallo]

And loving it

[@kiyomifrost]

He has literally lost touch with reality.. acting for $17,000 a year

[@td69]

@stewiiieeI’m wishing him the best too. I hope all his wildest dreams come true. Doesn’t myself and a majority of this comment section can’t create an opinion with the info we see. Not at all miserable lol

[@DeanBKK]

​@simonerenea it's not an ideal situation but the best "success stories" I've ever seen/read are usually people who took a crazy risk to follow their dreams.

[@billjohnson7904]

hey man, when you are young and want to try something, give it a shot. Don't be a loser like you.

[@AoCabo]

Turns out the way you afford living in NYC is by paying for things (with your savings). What a secret!

[@BlueBass2]

i’d hire this guy in a second. loved this, super real, super relatable for a lot of people in the creative or entrepreneurial field

[@monica4158]

I like Max (what a cool guy) - I can tell he's not money motivated which is so refreshing to see. Go Max!!!

[@bryantkobe23]

its easy to be Not motivated when you are not making any,

[@maxwellgallo]

Thank you!

[@jcabslovesu2]

It is a bit irresponsible to not be investing for your future at his age. He’s young and active right now which is the best time to work hard and save save save. When he’s older and can no longer work to save up for his retirement, he will regret it.

[@p1exotics87]

Max is the best. We’ve loved working with him! A true stand up guy.

[@roachtoasties]

So the title of this video is a lie to get clickbait: "How I Afford NYC Living On $17K A Year." He earned $17,000 acting in 2023, in which his income was reduced by the actors' strike. He did have other income, savings and other jobs to meet his expenses. That is not living on $17K a year in New York City. CNBC has now lost all credibility with me.

[@WillFons]

I wanted to pursue acting, but the idea of being broke and always looking for the next gig was not a lifestyle I wanted to live . Actors have a 99% unemployment rate. 0.04 actually make it. But I wish him luck , hope he makes it

[@bryantkobe23]

2 cars making $17,000, how much is insurance by itself,

[@maxwellgallo]

I have collector insurance on the bmw and it’s only $40 month! The civic is on my parents umbrella policy and only costs $35 a month

[@Re3iRtH]

​@@maxwellgalloWhat year is the BMW?

[@oriehi_raphael_paul]

The title is NOT clickbait. He indeed makes $17k a year. If they were to add all the details about his savings, that'd be a very long title.

[@beatricerights]

They did click bait. What if I billionaire who is living a lavish lifesyle but, lives on their investments with a title I live on zero dollars.

[@tyrellcobb4665]

At last a CNBC Make It that makes me feel better about myself

[@lissahernandez5308]

I understand Max.. he’s a passionate guy… I hope he finds a career field that he loves and that meshes with his personality type.

[@ladhkay]

Good story but clickbait title He's using his savings too

[@anoukc6928]

Yes but titles are decided by CNBC

[@TheNeighborhoodFinanceGuy]

The financial hack here is to live with your parents for an extended period. Additionally, ask those richer parents for money to sustain your lifestyle. It's genius.

[@MegynVarsha]

Well explained. Thank you for bringing up this video. Financial education is indeed required for more than 70% of the society in the country as very few are literate on the subject! Thanks to Mylah Evander the lady you recommended...

[@Marthaglime]

Could you be kind enough to share the info of the investment advisor guilding you?

[@GeorgeKent-oi6qz]

Mylah Evander totally changed my life for good. I have come across individuals but none is as honest as she is. So surprised you know her too.

[@DinmaAbwooli]

Everyone needs a different stream of income, such as where one can invest some parts of his or her monthly income.

[@MegynVarsha]

That woman has changed my life for good. I attended Mylah's class a couple of weeks ago and she's awesome when it comes to guidance...

[@FloridaAnderson-go4yw]

Is there anywhere I can get across this woman for a startup???

[@kiyomifrost]

your right. you don't have any debt. but the cost of living is getting so expensive---especially in New York City. Just seeing someone making no money gets me overwhelmed

[@cdclydesdale]

How can you afford 2 cars? Also the insurance per/vehicle and also gas ⛽️

[@tidusfantasy]

i make about 30k? and my rent is 1700 a month, lol i dont even know how i survived thus far. Good thing is i work in hotel F&B, so i get to eat the leftovers all the time, so that really saves me money. But oh man, 30k is really not gonna work for long term

[@alexandriaadams3140]

I hope his dreams come true because at this rate he is bound to go broke. I absolutely love that he is happy and not willing to compromise his happiness though, that’s extremely admirable!

[@japhyvansan]

Way to go bro! mindset is half of the game and you're nailing it! I'm sure it's just a matter of time before even greater opportunities open up for you in life and love and creativity ::)

[@Aeorocks]

Thank you for posting a realistic experience for someone living in NYC!

[@jertricerena9174]

Many people stay at jobs that hate and never do anything fulfilling. I’m so proud of you for having the courage to live the life you want and especially for chasing your dreams 👏🏽👏🏽❤️

[@Kennypeagler]

Misleading title. He’s living off savings.

[@osakipokima]

naw 17k in nyc is CRAZY

[@iomis2001]

As an older person with a boring good paying job I can tell you at some point you want stability over following your dreams and being broke. Also $680 a month on food is insane.

[@ShinmegamiPersona]

Why would he stay in nyc on his savings? The place is a dump.

[@ChuksKris]

17k/year is impressive for NYC....Following your dreams is worth it!!!

[@maxwellgallo]

🙏🏼

[@Myraisins1]

It's very difficult to do but still possible if you live a disciplined and minimal life. I share with room mates and pay $785, $17for phone, $135 for unlimited metro, $300 food including take out. $100 for toiletries etc . Even went out weekly for $80 Of course I actually have a higher income but lived this way for a few years to save for a home.

[@FinanceNation]

I like that that this is a real person. Earning a little bit in New York. Putting things into perspective on frugality

[@MrKijana23]

As a fellow actor with similar goals, I wish you all the best bud. I do have a regular 9-5 that eliminates the desperation factor, so I'm glad you're considering it. My advice would be to get on that before you're out of savings, otherwise you may be in for a cruel reality check not too far in the future. All the best my guy

[@szszszsz95395]

He doesn't need to 2 cars. The insurance for them must be high in NYC.

[@the.magic.catbus9459]

As someone who lives in NYC $680 for groceries is ... actually too much for a single person. I also like to cook and spend about $40-50 a week on groceries so about $200 -300 a month. And I am a vegetarian. Even factoring take out I still wouldn't spend up to $680 a month. I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around the $2000 discount for the apartment and how the company is saving money by letting him live there. Unless he is only occupying it temporarily until they can get a market rate tenant?

[@MattSezer]

You’re literally spending less than what food stamps gives. I’m not saying that it’s not possible, but that’s extreme.

[@jojoco9840]

Some of use enjoy hitting our nutritional intake goals

[@the.magic.catbus9459]

@@MattSezer SNAP benefits in NYC is $195-$281 a month. So I spend about the same. I don’t know where he shops but I know in my neighborhood I know I spend $40-$50 a week and I cook!

[@the.magic.catbus9459]

@@jojoco9840 I am very healthy and hit my nutrition intake goals. I work out 5 days a week. I still spend $40-$50 a week on groceries in NYC because I can get affordable produce in my neighborhood. $680 on groceries means he buys overpriced food, even in NYC.

[@ShengLiang]

HEY its the UPDATING guy!!!

[@karanrana7874]

This guy is a nightmare for Immigrant parents

[@derk420x]

immigrant parents need to be put in check

[@ronque23]

I wish him the best. I had a similar journey. Still do. Struggling through life shooting your shot isn’t the worst thing. The worst is not knowing what could’ve happened if you never tried. Not everyone can understand and that’s ok. It’s not your life.

[@MalikHall]

Enjoyed watching this! It’s great to live in the now and allow for things to work itself out in the future!

[@priyalata7592]

CNBC should have titled this, living off of savings while making 17K a year. I get he wants to pursue acting, wouldn’t it be more prudent to work a job that pays for your living expenses, build emergency fund, savings, contribute to your retirement, and pay for acting classes. Then set a window in your day to focus on just acting related things so not only you take of your bills but your hobbies. I just don’t get how you’re happy blowing through your savings that took you years to save, living above your annual income, and about to be broke with no emergency fund. I guess I’m more risk adverse, I feel bad for your roommate who probably doesn’t know you’re about not be able to afford rent.

[@nope7200]

this lifestyle will stress me out, but respect it

[@zakchow4390]

Guys doing what he can to follow the dream, this was a great video - all the best bro - never quit on your dreams

[@sethobregon4100]

This guy was on the KZbin show "Updating".

[@kapilchhabria1727]

I wish him well. At 38 I rebooted my career and while I was lucky to land on my feet, it’s not easy. It’s not certain, and you are always battling remorse for the choices you didn’t make and especially the ones you did make. But if it works out, like it has thus far for me, it’s the greatest feeling and I would wish it on every human being.

[@psp785]

More clickbait

[@will.davlin]

Wearing wool socks to bed will give you the best sleep you've experienced 😴

[@DJ-vj4vi]

Plus, he has the privilege of having supportive parents, friends, and family members. Not everyone is blessed to have those things.

[@Chicago48]

"Unemployment benefits". So in other words, half his income is from UE.Where does he park the cars? Parking is expensive in NYC.

[@trapbois4573]

I want to add that doing a 9-5 corporate job is not a bad thing. Work by nature is not fun, thats why people are paid to work. If you enjoyed it, you would be paying to do the work. Being able to afford basic necessities is incredibly valuable. If you don't think so try for a week to live like the homeless, you will hate it. For me being able to afford the basic necessities, take a couple trips a year, afford a good gym membership etc. is extremely great. I also do live in NYC. Use a boring office job to fund the things you do want to do, thats how I see it.

[@davidwholly5209]

I hope he makes it. I really do. But he seriously needs a heart-to-heart talk with Dave Ramsey.

[@nvdg867]

680 month on food?!?!

[@maxwellgallo]

Restaurants in the city not just groceries

[@nvdg867]

@@maxwellgallo thats still a lot for even that

[@Betweoxwitegan]

​@@maxwellgalloFor one person you can easily get it as low as €100

[@abbyc.4215]

Dates maybe??

[@Dakid015]

@@maxwellgallo cost saving opp

[@mommieofdos]

He also has no children, so no other responsibilities

[@GodwinIsaac]

He geniunely seems happy on this pursuit. Good for him

[@PnoMonies]

I live my life similarly and I will agree it is a much happier life, however, I’m getting to an age we’re I have to worry about long-term/ retirement family etc. So I gotta work my bum off now in order to make up for the time lost/money. I don’t regret it, yet at least.

[@porthospatel1683]

i would love this story if the headline were true. he is not living on 17k, he spends at least 21k. BUT i can see your point. living minimally and trying to achieve your dreams. i vibe with this one

[@Robertking1996]

$17k in NYC is insane

[@maintdash]

Uber Commission: 25% of the fare from the driver Lyft Commission: 20% of the fare from the driver 66 Super App Commission: 7% of the fare from the driver

[@TomNook.]

3:47 LinkedIn has a subscription?!?

[@warriorway5287]

What about being a server or a bartender? Also, how about going out to LA?

[@nehemiahstewart]

he doesn't strike me as a delusional entitled artist that refuses to grow up. He's simply a dude going after his dreams. 👌🏾👌🏾

[@EnronnSierra]

He has a Tobey Maguire vibe. Wanted to see his workout routine, first thing I noticed was that bubble butt, how fit he looked and then those couple shirtless pics. He seems to be making it work though, but I have substantially way more saved though/invested and I feel like I'm struggling. This is top of living with room mates and paying less than he does in rent. Maybe its just a mental state.

[@saplouie]

Sounds like he living his best life. Based on his January budget, his yearly expenses are ~34k, but that doesn't include funding an emergency fund or health insurance. That's probably how it goes for struggling actors. I wish him the best in the future.

[@AXE4X4SEBAS]

I hope your dreams become reality 🙏🏽

[@benujamin]

Who else saw this guy in UpDating?

[@JC-od3tg]

How about both stressor. Working a job you hate and barely staying afloat. 0:31

[@NYCIndieFilmmakerSujewa]

good video. the numbers do not look accurate - but it's cool that he is essentially doing various part time work while working on his acting ambition.

[@RachelHeartsBenefit]

While the title is misleading because of not factoring in savings in that number, this episode is really wholesome and inspiring. Not everyone can afford to live out their dreams and this episode is an example of the trade off we often make in life: work to live or live to work. Personally, I’m pursuing a competitive masters degree program and am working at a job that is physically and mentally taxing and doesn’t pay well. BUT, it gives me the experience I need to succeed in my future master’s program. In the meantime, I’m trying to have experiences that offset how hard my job can be day to day such as a weekly pottery class and traveling. But I’m basically living paycheck to paycheck this way in addition to meeting some of my basics needs/bills. Also looking to balance out what makes me happy, what experiences I’m looking for/need, and what can realistically pay the bills even if it’s kinda soul sucking

[@aherowon003]

Thanks for sharing this. Nice to see you balancing it out and are able to try and pursue your dreams. I’m curious what part of Brooklyn you live by? It looks really nice compared to where I am heh.

[@TIMOLUKANNI]

This is inspiring. Best of luck bro

[@columbiajones1534]

Unfortunately not only is this guy living off of his savings, but its clear he came from money. This is the American dream today: wealth from parents opens doors or allows you to stay long enough for the door to open.

[@xelefonte]

The delusion is real with this. (8:01) “I WILL SUCCEED.” He has a better chance of starting some novelty t-shirt company with the logo “I will succeed” than he does as an actor. There are millions of him in Los Angeles and NYC trying to become a successful actor. The percentage of success is less than one in a million. Acting is built on nepotism and favoritism even over genuine talent.

[@LlamasAreBest]

WTF is up with the tumbnail. He looks 2 feet tall.

[@Justauri-asdfghjkl]

I really like this guy. I am moving to NY in a few weeks to pursue music and I relate a lot

[@urbans9140]

your title is misleading as he uses his savings to cover expenses

[@jamesromero731]

I appreciate the realism and wish more survival tips or how "Regular/Normal" ppl get by

[@xelefonte]

*If you’re making $17K as an actor in New York City, you don’t call yourself. You call yourself a waiter or a busboy.*

[@KaylaRoseCampbell]

Better be clickbait🤣

[@kimcham9949]

It is. Using savings.

[@maxwellgallo]

@@kimcham9949it’s a buffer, I’m lucky to have it

[@gregap8282]

You know what, he might be using his savings, but he is doing to to follow his dreams. I like the guy and I hope he lives his dream.

[@Sandalphon444]

If this guy read the power of habit he wouldn’t be living on 17k a year lmaoooo

[@expensivebuddah]

17k on the books and 187k off the books

[@ScallywagSam]

My guy killed it on updating

[@McLivin410]

Show that your full of yourself without actually saying your full of yourself

[@p1exotics87]

He’s the most humble guy. Some day I hope you get to meet him for yourself!

[@TheAcruz133]

He’s not living in NYC for 17k a year, he’s ACTING…… Get it? He’s an actor guys……

[@DailyProg]

Team Max. Wishing you all the best

[@ismaelhall3990]

2:00 what is that vehicle..

[@nicholasl5247]

Why did not mention expenditure on cars monthly ? Such as gasoline , insurances ?