Being young in Los Angeles is hard, especially if your cash flow doesn't quite meet L.A.'s cost of living. We've been there, hell, we still are. But along the way, we've learned a couple of tricks to surviving this city in spite of our wallet. So grab a notebook and pencil and start taking some notes.
1. Get an L.A. library card. Not only can you read books for free, but the card's benefits can save you more than $9,869.
2. Keep up with L.A.'s museum scene by taking advantage of free museums and free museum days.
3. Plan an early date night to take drink and eat up using happy hour deals.
4. Stay in shape by taking advantage of workout studios' deals where the first class is free.
5. See theater shows during their half-priced previews (which usually take place a couple times before opening night).
6. Read the fine print on your leasing agreement. Many landlords try to take advantage of you and raise the rent even when the building is rent controlled. Read up on rent control here.
7. Skip paying for cable or internet at home, use Netflix or Hulu for your TV viewing pleasure and L.A.'s free WiFi spots for internet.
8. Sell your car and use Metro—yes, L.A. has a usable public transit system.
9. Be single and not ready to mingle. No really, dating is really expensive.
10. If you are dating, move in together. Splitting a one-bedroom apartment is a lot cheaper than getting a two-bedroom with a roommate or living alone.
11. Despite popular belief, there are quiet a few cheap places to eat—you can find them here.
12. Don't pay to live at a complex with a pool, there are plenty of public ones you can use around L.A.
13. Start a vegetable garden. L.A.'s climate is ripe for a home garden, which, after the initial costs to start it, will save you money on groceries.
14. Save money on a membership and use L.A.'s parks as your gym.
15. Join these member benefit programs.
16. Have a social life with these free things to do.
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