I’d rather just spend my money on leaving New York … 🛩

One of the great conundrums many of us face is the debate of where to live versus what career and economic opportunities exist locally. Simply said, many of the best job opportunities exist in the least desirable places.

It’s so expensive to live in New York. Studies have shown just moving from north of 42nd parallel can reduce your income by over $2,000 a year due to higher taxes and costs of shopping for various goods. Even a rundown apartment costs more here then other states. There are just so many taxes, regulations and other costs that drive up the expenses of living here. But so are the good jobs, and the ability to make money. But once can move that money out of state by saving and investing now, and spending later when you no longer live in state. Retirement accounts are a good way to avoid state taxes — but even generally investing in stocks, bonds, regular old savings accounts — can store money away and allow it to grow for a better tomorrow.

The truth is I don’t need more stuff. I don’t need more clutter, more trash to get rid of. I’d rather make do with the old, already paid stuff I have, and maybe even have a little less of. I enjoy living in my rundown, cheap moldy apartment and taking the bus to work – at least when the pandemic ends. I get more pleasure in seeing money being invested then buying toys, just because I can envision my future, owning land, the off-grid property, the livestock and tractors, ATVs and other good things in a distant but better future.