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Between LAs sky-high prices and the entertainment industrys feast-or-famine income cycles, hes mastered the art of strategic spending.
Heres how hes keeping it real and living frugally in the city of make-believe.
After all, he believes that living alone in LA isnt worth the premium.
I share a four-bedroom house in Burbank with three other writers, Jeff shared.
We turned the garage into a writers room where we can all work.
Its like having a home office and industry networking built into my rent.
Industry Bartering System
Entertainment folks are getting creative with trading services.
Hybrid Car Investment
Some splurges actually save money.
I bit the bullet and bought a hybrid car last year, Jeff said.
Plus, the carpool lane access is worth its weight in gold out here.
Meal Prep Marathon
Sunday is for scripts and sauce.
One pot of chili, one curry, one pasta sauce.
Boom thats lunch for the whole week, and Im not dropping $22 on sad desk salads.
Freelance Emergency Fund
Entertainment work is unpredictable and Jeff is feeling the squeeze now more than ever.
I live on 50% of my income when Im working, no matter what, Jeff explained.
Strategic Subscription Share
Streaming doesnt have to drain your account.
Four friends and I each pay for one major streaming service and share logins, Jeff said.
I handle HBO Max, someone else does Netflix, [and] another covers Disney+.
We save about $50 each monthly, and weve never run out of shows to watch.
The Coffee Club Collective
Even small savingsadd up.
A group of us bought a fancy coffee maker for our shared workspace, Jeff noted.
We each chip in $20 monthly for beans and supplies.
Its way cheaper than daily Starbucks runs, and honestly?
Our coffees better, no lie.
Industry Discount Detective
LA has hidden perks for entertainment workers.
I keep a spreadsheet ofevery industry discountI can find, Jeff shared.
Gym memberships, software subscriptions, even some restaurants offer entertainment industry rates.
You just have to know to ask.
I only replace technology when it actually dies, Jeff explained.
My phone is three years old, my laptop is five, and guess what?
They still write scripts just fine.
Thats thousands saved on unnecessary upgrades.
I picked up audio transcription work I can do between writing sessions, he said.
Its perfect because I can do it anywhere, and it keeps money flowing during production breaks.
As Jeff puts it, You dont have to live like a struggling artist to pursue your dreams.
You just have to be creative with your money the same way youre creative with your work.
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