Congratulations on landing that shiny new job with a $90K base salary in the bustling heart of NYC! You’re officially part of the adulting league, where budgeting is your new best friend. It might feel a bit like trying to navigate Times Square during rush hour—exciting yet overwhelming—but with a little guidance, you can conquer your finances like a pro.

First up, let’s tackle rent, which is likely to be your biggest expense. In the concrete jungle, the average one-bedroom apartment can run anywhere from $2,500 to $4,000, depending on the neighborhood. If you're looking to save some cash (and who isn’t?), consider sharing an apartment with a roommate. This can cut your rent in half, leaving you more room in your budget for fun stuff. Remember, location matters, so look for areas a bit farther from the center that still have good subway access. You can think of it like choosing the right Avenger for your team—sometimes the best choice isn’t the most popular one!

Now that you’ve got a roof over your head, let’s talk about the next biggie: savings. A good rule of thumb is the 50/30/20 budgeting method—50% of your income goes to needs (like rent and bills), 30% to wants (fun stuff!), and 20% to savings or debt repayment. With a $90K salary, that means you should aim to save around $18,000 a year, or about $1,500 a month. Opening a high-yield savings account can help your money grow while you’re busy living your best life. Think of it as your financial sidekick, quietly working in the background while you tackle the day.

As for student loans, if you’re carrying any, factor those into your monthly expenses. Depending on your repayment plan, you might be looking at anywhere from $200 to $600 a month. It’s like having a pesky sidekick that you can’t quite shake off, but managing it wisely will free you up for bigger adventures down the road.

After crunching numbers for rent, savings, and loan payments, you’ll still want to leave room for your lifestyle costs. Eating out, grabbing coffee, and treating yourself to the occasional Broadway show all add up. Set aside around 30% of your salary for these lifestyle expenses, which translates to about $27,000 a year or roughly $2,250 a month. Keep track of your spending in this category—it’s easy to get carried away when that artisanal avocado toast is calling your name.

Don’t forget about the importance of an emergency fund! Aiming for three to six months’ worth of living expenses is a solid goal. It’s like having an extra life in a video game—just in case things don’t go as planned.

Lastly, remember that budgeting isn't a one-and-done deal. It’s more like a Netflix series—you need to keep tuning in to make sure you’re on the right track. Review your budget regularly, and don’t be afraid to adjust it based on your spending habits. With some practice, you’ll be able to juggle your finances like a seasoned pro. So grab your financial calculator and get ready to take on the world, one budget at a time!