Spending and Saving in New York City: Farewell
Editor’s Note: This is the final part of Noel’s ongoing series about her adventures navigating the NYC fashion world as a college student, adjusting to life without total financial support from her parents, and learning where to spend and save! In case you missed them, see Spending and Saving in New York City: Part One, Part Two, Part Three, Part Four, Part Five, and Part Six.
Photo Credit: 1
Alright, the semester’s over. This is my last article here (sort of). I flew back home on Christmas eve. I turned nineteen years old on Christmas day. I’m working on my New Year’s resolutions. I’m scared to look at my 2009 New Year’s resolutions because I probably didn’t fulfill any of them. The bad thing about having your birthday and New Year’s so close together is that you expect magical things to happen when you turn eighteen. Or seventeen. Or sixteen. Every year.
Er, okay — something magical did happen this year. I got into college and moved to New York City. I remember crying on the phone to my best friends at home, “I GOT INTO COLUMBIA! I’M COMING BACK TO NEW YORK CITY!” Never mind the fact that the summer of 2008, in which I spent two months in the city by myself interning for Seventeen magazine, was the most expensive summer of my life. Never mind the fact that this was the year that my parents stopped considering me a dependent on their tax forms. Never mind the fact that I had to learn to pay my own taxes and buy my own health insurance. I was going to New York City — and if I can make it there, I can make it anywhere.
Magic was going to happen. Or so I thought. And then, as I was packing my bags for the cross-country move, our lovely Zephyr offered me the chance to write for College Fashion — an opportunity to reach out to thousands of girls who didn’t read my personal blog, Miss Couturable. And I really just wanted to share my experiences in college with you, minus the all-nighters, awkward parties, and mediocre dining hall food. I mean, look, I love shopping, like many other girls in college. My friends think I’m ridiculous for not being willing to spend $5 on Pinkberry frozen yogurt but willing to trek downtown for a pair of expensive boots during finals week. I won’t deny it. Plenty of you here have called me out on it — but maybe we all need to be a little ridiculous and indulgent inside to survive in New York City. As Penelope Trunk says:
I know you have heard that NYC is expensive. But you will never really know how insanely expensive it is until you live there.It’s like having children. Everyone will tell you having kids is really, really hard. Harder than anything they’ve ever done. And everyone will also say that after all those warnings, they still were not prepared for how hard it was when the baby came. This is what money is like in NYC – you absolutely cannot imagine how expensive it is there until you are there, living day to day.
I never had the intention of giving financial advice in this column, and I do apologize if it sounded like I was going to. I am still learning how to manage my own funds without the help of the family accountant. I just wanted to be honest with everyone — and I knew I was going to get some criticism along the way.
So, before I say goodbye, I have one more experience I have to share. You may disagree with me on it. You may be offended by it. It’s okay. I’ll be honored if you even read it:
Coming to college made me finally realize how important money is. Yes, money. Indeed, love is important. Happiness is important. However, money is measurable. And it is, undeniably, essential to most people’s lives. There is a reason why the introductory economics professor at Columbia tells his students that they have the power to change the world for the better.
Back in high school, money wasn’t a concern for my friends and me– but we didn’t think much of it either. We drove around in our cars (and coming to college, I realized that many of my colleagues didn’t even have cars), bought nice presents for each other, and sought to eat in all of the best places. I just didn’t think about money. It was just there. I could use it.
The former Head of School at my prep school once said, “I don’t understand why so many bright students at schools like Harvard and MIT, who could be finding the cure for cancer, choose to become investment bankers instead. What will you do with your life?” In contrast, when my mother found out that one of my friends, the class salutatorian who was going to attend Harvard, wanted to be a surgeon, she scoffed, “Why would he want to be a surgeon, that brilliant boy? He should be the next Bill Gates.”
During orientation week at college, I ate lunch with a new friend and we talked about our career goals. “I just want to make a lot of money,” he said, “A lot of people think that’s shallow — but listen, I don’t see what’s wrong with wanting to give my family the best of the world. I grew up not having, and I want my kids to grow up having.”
Turns out, a lot of my brilliant friends here, wealthy or not wealthy, want to be investment bankers or just make a lot of money, one way or another. One of my girl friends lamented over her GPA because it wasn’t high enough for an internship with Goldman Sachs. “I want to make $600,000 a year within three years of graduation,” she said. A few of my guy friends want to become hedge fund managers. “We’ll have nameplates that say, ‘Head Thug,’” they joked. My Head of School’s words rang in my head. What will we do with our lives?
You can form your own opinions about this, but here is what I think now: It’s okay to want money. It’s okay to have money. It’s okay to spend money. It’s better to change the world with your money. It’s a good idea to save money. Money can be a good thing. Nothing is black and white. Even universities survive on generous endowments. Money neither adds nor detracts from the meaning in your life. We don’t need to spell out a noble goal in life in order to do something wonderful.
So, thank you for reading — as a writer, it means a lot that people actually care. Merci beaucoup for disagreeing, for being offended, for being proud of me, for being disappointed in me, for laughing with me, for being amused with or by me, and for sharing with me. Blogging is great because it is practically instant feedback and communication. It’s also made me insanely honest, to the point that I’m oftentimes putting myself out there for criticism.
You can find me at my own blog, Miss Couturable or follow me on Twitter, and I will occasionally contribute to College Fashion when appropriate. May the year of 2010 be glorious and bountiful for you!
Posted on on January 12, 2010 / Filed Under: College Life / Tags: Life, New York, NYC
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Sabrina
Great post.
I will miss reading about your time in NYC.
And of course having money is not bad. And when you have some why not enjoy spending it? As long as you don’t spend more than you earn everything is ok.
Xenia
I’m impressed with this article. I wasn’t sold as much on the rest of your series, but the point you make about wanting money not being good or bad, is extremely valid. I must admit I never thought of it that way before.
Good Luck in 2010! :]
Carol
Great article and I need to agree with you about money being gray, nor black or white.
I´ll miss the NYC city, it was one of my favorite parts of this blog
Lina
I think it was a little upsetting that your mom said such a thing. Being a doctor means a lot of hard work and helping a lot of people. So what if you’re not going to be the next Bill Gates with multi-million dollars?
Your point on wanting money is very interesting and extremely valid. This topic is very controversial so I applaud you for talking about it.
Alex
I’ll admit I read your column with a big heaping of scorn most of the time, but hey, I did always read it. Your background sounds like it didn’t really lend itself to the subject of this column, but I think you did a good job with what you had, for the most part. Keep writing, and write real stuff; the only thing you really need is a little more maturity, and New York will certainly give you that. It certainly has given you a skin thick enough to deal with the backlash you’ve gotten.
Patricia
Hey Noel!
So sad to read your collaboration is done! I’ve been a fan of your articles since you started writing for Cf and I can totally relate to how you feel and act about fashion and money.
I hope you have a great 2010!
jackie wilson
Money helps make the world go round, but often times it can be used to build barriers rather than bringing people together. Your friend wanting vanity plates and another feeling 600,000 was the minimum she needed to be happy…well they are coming from their own personal experiences. It also can be viewed as very ego driven…why does that person need that much? what is it about that that will make them happy…the ability to get more things? who may they need to hurt along the way or mislead to get where they are going, and is intentionally hurting people or the community ever worth any amount of money?
I would invite these people to step outside of their money insulated comfort zones sometimes. Do something with their time for others who are not as well off as themselves. Talk to people who share differing views on money with an open mind and not just a desire to get your own point across.
One friend wants only the best for his family, but I’ve seen people like this get way too caught up in what they think are the best things that their family needs and end up alienating the very family they were trying to make happy by working too much when the family could have been a lot happier having that person around and spending ‘quality time’ together than with a bigger tv or a nicer car.
I think intentions and thoughts behind actions are as important as the actions themselves. Why does one want or feel they need so much? What is the intention behind becoming a surgeon or a hedgefund manger? How can you make sure you are always working with pure intentions to promote self-growth and the growth of human kind? Money can help growth and can also hinder it…always be mindful of who your helping and who you might end up hurting.
Mimi Jordan
I just have 5 words to say…
I am proud of you.
Zephyr - CF Editor
“Money neither adds or detracts from the meaning in your life.” I couldn’t agree more with this, Noel! Money is just that – money. It’s not your life, it’s not who you are, it’s not good or bad, and it doesn’t just mean one thing. Because of that, it’s so funny to me how money is still such a taboo topic for so many people. I really like that you don’t mind putting it out there and talking honestly about it. Not many people would be comfortable doing that, and that speaks to your character.
andrea
i absolutely love this article, i love the way it is written and i love the point you made. this is exactly the type of thing that i say when people make a comment that hints at them thinking that people with money are evil. even in church bible studies people would make comments saying that the people who are hurting are only poor people and that they are the ones who are going to turn to god for help, but people with money are either perfectly happy, selfish, or if they are hurting they are going to blame it on the lack of money. i think you made a very valid point in this article and i really respect you for having the courage to talk about it.
Aaron
With all due respect, this post seems to emphasize your complete narcissism.
“My prep school,” “driving around in our cars,” “giving expensive gifts.”
You are so far removed from reality, it’s shocking. You claim that “money neither adds nor detracts,” yet your entire day seems to consist of obsessing over some $900 pair of shoes or finding the perfect purse.
In terms of not promising to give financial advice: whether you explicitly said it or not, the fact is, a blog called “Spending and SAVING” in New York City would imply that you would be saving a little.
Also, concerning the fact that you don’t care about being criticized should indicate this post won’t get deleted. Let’s not kid ourselves here – I’m sure we’re all glad to see this Carrie Bradshaw impersonator go back to her own little world.
Stephanie
my birthday is on new years eve. i turned 19 too so i completely understand it sucking being so close to new years.
but i love your ny series as i go to school in ny too :)
m
ditto alex. never could relate to your topics or background, but i did read your articles anyway. i think you’re a great writer, so definitely keep at! also appreciate your comments on money. i’ve always believed that money in & of itself is neutral – neither good or bad, black or white, or even grey. it’s how you use it that counts.
Juliet
I’m sorry, but I have to agree with Aaron on this one. I think this article was meant as a sort of back-handed retort to earlier criticisms.
Nicole - USC
Noel, I am an avid fan of your Miss Couturable blog and I think it took a lot of maturity and courage to write this article. Money is such a controversial subject so obviously people are going to have their own opinions. I think given your background that yes, your opinion on money is going to be different than a lot of others. I absolutely love your articles because they are always inspiring, well written and present a clear and interesting point of view. I will continue to read your blog and I look forward to your future articles. Best of luck at Columbia!
Nicole - USC
Oh I forgot one more thing. In defense of Noel, if you read her recent post on her Miss Couturable blog you will see that she truly does care about those who are at a disadvantage. Rather than just spend the money she earns from her blog, she decided to donate all the profits to charity. I absolutely praise her for doing such things because many high fashion obsessed bloggers would not do the same.
Zephyr - CF Editor
“Aaron” and “Juliet” – your comments would be much more valid if they weren’t from the same person posting on the same computer. Please stop agreeing with yourself. Don’t you have something better to do?
Bryannah
Aww, I grew to love your NYC series! :-]
I don’t mind hearing about you shopping and exploring the world of New York City at all! =) Though, it would have been better if you re-named the series something among the lines of, “a day in the life of nyc” or something like that, but just my opinion! ^_^
I thought Noel’s posts gave CF a new edge; you typically don’t see posts like this every day on here and I thought it was something new and I geniunely enjoyed all of them! (: In addition, Columbia is my dream school too!
Have a great 2010! =) Noel you are a fantastic writer and I will definetly be checking out Miss Couturable!
xxoxoxoxoxo
Paula
Nice conclusion :)
Blaire
After the last article, I was a bit skeptical about this one, but it was fantastic! I agree with you completely, there is nothing wrong with wanting money, as long as it doesn’t define your life. Someone mentioned that $600,000 is a lot to want, I hate to point out that in NYC, $600,000 does as much as $100,000 would somewhere more affordable, which is a much lower sum. There is nothing wrong with wanting to have a nice, comfortable life and be able to provide well for your family. Some people say money doesn’t buy happiness, but what it does do is avoid a lot of unhappiness (stress over not being able to pay your bills for example).
avory
I just want to say,
Noel, you have real talent for writing!
and I read through the posts in this series, although it doesnt have much to do with saving I still found it an interesting read. =)
Iris
While I was incredibly disappointed with the misleading direction of this series, which you will hopefully never do again (considering the audience and purpose of a series is incredibly important), I still think it is very brave of you to acknowledge that you were incredibly privileged, in every sense of the word, and state that in a final farewell post.
However, I think it was even greater for you to meet people who were bringing you back down to reality, online or in your day-to-day life, because while it may have been difficult to receive the criticism, you’re slowly developing into a better person because of that – I would know. I hope your maturity keeps on growing, because it really will help you discover your true aspirations, rather than just following the latest blip across your thoughts. Money is okay to have, but understanding your own decisions is even worth even more.
Cristina
As an Economics major I just want to say Noel is absolutely right! There are many economist such as the Ghanian George Ayittey who are working tirelessly to improve the living standards of those in the developing world who lack the basic necessities we take for granted like clean drinking water. If Zephyr will allow me I’d like to recommend his foundation http://freeafrica.org/ which the rest of you might be interested in.
Jess Tavesjnhasky
Noel, I’ve been reading all of your series and I’d like to congratulate you – many posts here are on how to build outfits and just the new trends, but you really tried your best to give us advice on where to get the best discounts, where to find an amazing opportunity, and yes, how to save. I think everyone got a little bit annoyed with one of your posts talking about gifting people – me included, I have to admit. But I wasn’t annoyed in a bad outraged way, just with the fact that that particular post, that had so much potential, didn’t show much of your saving part. But you know – every single post in CF seems to have F21 outfits, and I personally love shopping there… but it’s good to change. Some people who are reading these series might be heading to NY and they want to buy designer pieces for a bargain … it’s still expensive, but some people think it’s worth the splurge. So why all the fuss? I agree completely with what you said on money. It’s just something that’s part of our world and there’s no running away from the topic. But it’s not an either you have it, or you don’t; neither it is a if you have it, you’re evil, if you don’t, you’re good. Everyone seems to be kidding themselves, criticizing you for talking about shopping expensive and because you believe money can be good. Well, for that person, (s)he’s reading CF, a fashion blog, instead of being outside raising money for the refugees in Darfur. Yeah – that seems a far-fetched idea, but truth is – don’t come here and criticize writers who give up their time and effort for us when you’re not doing much either. I’m not offended by what Noel says, even though I am not as privileged as her – because that’s reality. Instead of writing negative comments, go do something better for your life, REALLY. Why are you criticizing Noel’s mom? It’s not like it’s a futile mind. Mothers want kids to be living in the most comfortable way, and today sometimes doctors are not that respected and don’t earn that much, and if the kid did or did not have potential to become the next Bill Gates, what’s wrong with that? My dream is to become an international lawyer for multinationals. I want to graduate from Harvard. I’m a sophomore in high school but have a sister in college and I know what it’s like. I’m studying my butt off to get into the school of my dreams, and yes, my dreams do seem filled with money in the future. I don’t think that’s futile. I want a husband, I want kids, I want comfort, I want a beautiful house. Is that so bad? Just because I want this, just because I want money –and don’t tell me everyone doesn’t want it, at least desire – it doesn’t mean I can’t do good to the world. I do community service since I’m about 7, working in orphanages every week. I grew up like that , my parents raised me up to always think about others. These same parents, however, tell me to become very rich so I won’t have to depend on anyone. Is that so bad? No – it’s reality.
So Noel, congratulations on all you said. You’ve been true to yourself and did your best. You’re a great writer, I loved your posts, and I only wish true success for you every day. Really.
Chelsea Morgan
Noel,
Congrats on making it through another journey. I’m proud of you. I applaud your honesty, and in my opinion, your final article exuded class. Best of luck! I can’t wait to start reading your blog!
Best,
Chelsea Morgan T.
Random_Girl
This is the first time I post here but I am an avid reader of CF. I post here because I was outraged at this series. Of course, I read it because it’s about NY. But the way you emphasize on being so rich and having so much money is outrageous. Having money is important of course but bragging about it is not.
So maybe you should learn about modesty.
Grace
I don’t think Noel is trying to brag about her economic status at all. Why should she be ashamed of it? Her community service and charity work obviously show that she is more well rounded than a spoiled, materialistic shopaholic. She just brought her own different perspective of living in New York as a student, and how SHE dealt with the problem all college students have to face–budgeting. And while her priorities may be different, we can’t judge her on that because she’s her own individual. Thanks again for all the articles Noel and I wish you luck this next semester!
Cecily
I first followed your Miss Couturable blog (and still am). Then I found CF and noticed that you were writing for CF. You provided a new direction to this blog. I love your writing style (and your posts were longer here!). Although I don’t have as big of a budget as you, it was still nice to read how you were living in New York City (so many good stores!) with fashion right outside your doorstep.
Keep up the good work!
oooh.. I agree with your idea on money. I commend you for writing about it. It’s a very touchy, sensitive topic for many people.
Chichi
money makes the world go round, another brilliant article from you Noel, I know it’s not the last we’ll see of you.
Zephyr - CF Editor
Fixed the typo someone commented about. It actually wasn’t Noel’s, it was mine. Thanks for letting me know!
Krista
I see that my original comment was deleted. Too vitriolic? I’m not really sure why you expected to get any positive feedback from an article like this. Basically my point was that I felt this series was insulting and definitely detracted from the quality of College Fashion. I’m glad it’s over!
Zephyr - CF Editor
Hey Krista, no idea which comment you are referring to? We have a spam filter in place – did you use profanity? It automatically deletes anything that contains certain language. Next time please keep it clean and your comment will appear here, so long as it follows our rules.
Sami
This is a great article, and I think it’s impressive that you are brave enough to share your own life experiences and what you’ve learned from them. Some seem to think it’s all about bragging about your lifestyle, or saying money is everything, but I didn’t get that vibe at all. I think anyone who felt that way was just misinterpreting your work.
To me, it seems that you’re just explaining how you learned to respect and appreciate money, much like any college student who truly gets out on their own, and that’s something I would expect the users of this site to relate to, not be offended by. It was all presented very humbly and respectfully, and you deserve the same respect in return.
Em
Hi Noel,
Thank you for your honest opinion on a controversial topic! Obviously it can be a blessing to have wealth that you can share with others. Even though we are young adults, it’s never too early to start thinking about the practical things. There is nothing wrong at all with being privileged or having money. However, having a lot of money comes with more responsibility, and we must be careful to not develop a love for money. Thanks for your post! :)
Krista
I didn’t use profanity. I probably messed up somehow trying to post a comment. After I submitted it, it showed up but said “awaiting moderation.” But then I didn’t see it later in the day. I assumed it got deleted because it was fairly mean. I guess both my comments were pretty harsh, but I wasn’t trying to be mean just for the sake of it. This series honestly made me angry, and I wanted to express that. /my 2 cents
Lisa
I have been reading College Fashion for a while now and this is my first time commenting. I have read other articles and some of your past articles, but I really enjoyed your message in this article; so much so, that I was compelled to respond to it! This was a great thought-provoking article on a very sensitive subject and a nice way to end the series. I love the way you expressed your opinion and your honesty certainly transferred into your writing. You are a great writer and I hope all the best for you!
Jen
After getting over the somewhat misleading title of the series, I grew to like it for what it was. There were some little morsels of spots to shop for less in NY and I appreciate that you shared. I can’t knock you for growing up privileged, that is not your fault. Now that you are in college you have the opportunity to do your own thing and think for yourself. Your mind will open up to so much more of what life & NYC has to offer. The most important thing is that you are learning and growing. I wish you the best.
Julie
I would love to see a series about spending and *saving* from any college student’s perspective, not necessarily from one in a big city.
Breanna
I really liked your series, too bad it’s ending. You’re right saying there’s nothing but in wanting money – however, only a person who has money can say they don’t mean a thing and “neither adds nor detracts from the meaning in your life”. If you’re lacking money, many of your dreams won’t ever come true – and I don’t mean getting a fancy designer dress, but rather getting a dream job (education is pricey), travelling and stuff. Also, it lowers your quality of life, when you can’t decorate your room to your likings or eat certain kind of food just because it’s too expensive. And so, money actually can make one happy. There are things you cannot buy, but most of them – oh, you can.
Erin
Noel,
i enjoyed your series too, as someone who will hopefully be interning in NYC next semester i thought it was so useful! but, i’d just like to quickly remind everyone that while i agree that there is absolutely nothing wrong with having money/wanting to have money, we have to remember not to strive for it at the expense of other people. the economic crisis we’re currently in is mostly the fault of people who just wanted money, with no regard to the consequences for the economy or the people who trusted them. so strive for success, fellow fashionistas! but please, be mindful of the consequences of your actions when you’re at the top.
C
At the start, I did think your series was going to be doling out financial tips but later I pretty much gathered that it was more of a lifestyle series. You are quite the burgeoning fashionista, and I love your writing! ;)
PS. The Aaron and Julia thing made me LOL. IP address, mister.
CJ
I’ve only recently discovered this article!
I dream of one day moving to New York too. (though it’s a little far off, because I’m still a sophomore!) I enjoyed the articles, but I must say, this isn’t the typical student.
Marc Jacobs Christmas presents? I’m not in college yet, but I still have to say that’s pretty steep for Christmas. My budget with my friends is $30.00. As a high school student with no job and is still legally dependent on her parents, I get ECSTATIC when my friends get me something from Forever 21 for 15 bucks! I’d say there’d definitely be some tension in the circle if you can afford to give Marc Jacobs presents like that and someone else can’t.
I understand Noel’s intention isn’t to brag about her finances and that it isn’t her fault she came from wealth. But please note when you post an article about saving money, most readers won’t have the same options as the priviliged writer.