FUN FACT: I put only 10% down on my apartment and pay 2,500 for both maintenance and taxes. I'm paying less to OWN a 1 bedroom in Upper Manhattan than what I paid to rent a 1 bedroom in Forest Hills, Queens.
Curbed recently just shared some statistics stating the average 1 bedroom apartment in NYC is $3,050! That is so much money to just give to someone else. In one year, you're basically throwing away $36,600!
My dad always used to tell me it's better to own than to rent (yes, I am the daughter of a real estate broker). In some markets, I don't necessarily think that's true. Some markets are over priced and their rental rates are more reasonable (I'm looking at you, Santa Cruz, CA). But in New York, it is imperative to own your own property.
Of course I'm not saying take all your savings and go into financial ruin to buy a place. First pay off your debts, save way more than a down payment (for closing costs) and THEN buy. Talk to a financial planner if you need more information.
Buying property is the best financial decision you could make (also you can paint the walls and never change them back)! If you need any real estate help, whether you live in NYC or CA or even Jakarta, I'm always available.

Even as a new real estate agent, I have had to do a number of coop board applications. It is a tedious, but wildly interesting task involving very unique financial situations. I decided that I needed to learn more about basic accounting principals and how to read financial statements, so I looked at Coursera and found a GREAT course about exactly that. The professor explains things very well, the videos are engaging, and I'm actually learning! 

I recommend it to anyone interested in starting or investing in a business, or if you're just a huge nerd like me. Click on the button below to see the course and let me know in the comment section if you sign up.

With the fires in the Amazon, the ice caps melting, and the real possibility/inevitability of environmental disaster, this article really shocked me. In it, you guess what is the most effective strategy to combat climate change. I got a LOT of them wrong- my final score was 28%. I definitely have a lot to learn and a lot to do. I had no idea that throwing away less food is more impactful than composting!

Take a look at the article here and let me know what your score is in the comment section.