Written By: Rebecca Kangwa, LMHC
As the years, and the rent increases, go by, I learned something no one puts on Instagram: for many New Yorkers, the real city that never sleeps is your mind, worrying at 3 a.m. about how to afford your life here.
Even people with good jobs can feel like they’re always trying to keep up. It leaves you thinking, how is everyone affording their lifestyle?!
At The Gold Mind, therapists hear this story every day: smart, ambitious women who love the city but feel quietly crushed by the cost of simply existing. Rent, groceries, subway swipes, hair appointments, birthday dinners, boutique candles you didn’t need but definitely wanted…it all adds up.
The Secret Price Tag of “Living Your Best Life”
New York seduces you with possibilities. Fancy dinners. Fun weekends in the Hamptons. Chic work clothes. New grippy socks for Solidcore (Lucky Honey – you’re killing me!).
Somehow it seems impossible to go outside and not spend at least $200 – and have not much to show for it. And the worst part? Everyone pretends it’s normal.
Does this sound like you?
“Ok, let’s just split the check evenly!” – when you didn’t get any cocktails.
“I’m taking the subway.” – when you wanted a cab and your sanity.
“No, I don’t need new clothes.” – when your closet looks like it’s stuck in 2015.
How Money Stress Messes With Your Head
Let’s talk about the mental side of this. Financial stress isn’t just numbers on paper. It’s staying up at night thinking about expenses. It’s skipping social plans because you don’t want the bill. It’s living above your means and then comparing your life to someone else’s highlight reel and still feeling inadequate.
Women often feel like they need to have the optics of everything (hot partner, amazing apartment, impeccable wardrobe, cool friends, lavish vacations, perfect body) or else they’re “losing” or not truly happy. They feel they’re failing or falling short if they’re struggling. Newsflash: that is a lie you’ve been fed to keep you in the rat race.
Therapy Can Help (and It’s Not Just for “Serious” Problems)
Therapy isn’t only for trauma or panic attacks. It’s for women trying to juggle dreams, bills, and brunch plans. At The Gold Mind, therapists help women:
- Separate money shame from self-worth
- Manage anxiety and burnout
- Set and maintain healthy boundaries
- Remember it’s okay to want financial stability and a little joy
- Feel less alone navigating all of this
Because here’s the truth: life in NYC can be magical, but magic costs money. And you deserve support while dealing with it all.
Feeling like the city’s price tag is weighing you down? Reach out to The Gold Mind. Let’s help you keep your mind and your wallet, a little more sane, one session at a time.
