In the three years that I’ve covered New York City’s affordability crisis, I’ve realized that everyone just wants to know the answer to the same questions: How much money do you have? And how do you spend it? Here’s what happened when I asked people.
My editors and I decided to pose those money questions to hundreds of New Yorkers, from those who make less than minimum wage to those who may have been considered comfortably upper-middle-class in a different version of New York City. Now, each Sunday, we’ll introduce you to a different family or individual and walk you through how they’re making it work in one of the most expensive cities on the planet — and why living here feels worth it to them. This week, meet Tyson Watts. Who is he? A 28-year-old cleaner at Well-Paid Maids making about $2,000 a month. Where does he live? In a shared apartment with his mother in Rockaway Park, Queens. How does he save?
When does he splurge?
What does he say? “If you do have an option to live with a family member that will be there for you, to help you save and want to do better with yourself, take advantage of that until you’re really, really good.”— Tyson Watts To see more details about his budget and more photos, click here. What to read about money in America
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Glad we could get together here. Davaughnia Wilson contributed to New York Today. You can reach the team at nytoday@nytimes.com. Sign up here to get this newsletter in your inbox.
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