"I'm in LOVE with an Apartment I Can't Afford. Can I Negotiate?"

Summary

---

Money Rehab with Nicole Lapin

Episode: "I'm in LOVE with an Apartment I Can't Afford. Can I Negotiate?"
Date: September 16, 2025
Host: Nicole Lapin
Guest: Mike Coscarelli (Show Producer)

---

Overview

This episode features a candid, practical intervention with Money Rehab producer Mike Coscarelli, who shares his rollercoaster experience searching for his first solo apartment in New York City. The discussion revolves around the emotional (and financial) realities of NYC apartment-hunting, the ins and outs of negotiating rent, and crucial advice for freelancers on prepping their financial documents. Nicole Lapin offers guidance and actionable takeaways through humor, empathy, and her signature no-nonsense style.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Emotional Toll and Reality Check of Apartment Hunting in NYC

• Mike’s Motivation and Market Shock

  • Mike wants to move out from his Brooklyn roommate setup to his own apartment—a significant personal milestone.
  • Initially budgeted $3,500/month, expecting a spacious place in a prime area, but found options limited, small, and overpriced.
    • "I figured it was time to move out, stop living with roommates, get my own place in New York City. That's a...that's like a big milestone. And it's pretty hard, to be honest, just based off price." — Mike [03:19]

• Neighborhood Loyalty and Stigma

  • Strong attachment to Brooklyn for its community and “cool factor” compared to Queens.
  • Considers how living situation impacts dating and perceptions of adulthood.

2. Budgeting and Perceptions vs. Reality

• Surprised that tripling his roommate rent ($900 → $3,500) still didn’t yield expected results: mostly small apartments, sometimes faux two-bedrooms.
  • Comparison with his mother’s mortgage underscores NYC’s premium prices.
    • "I told my mom that I was looking at apartments for that price, and she said it was like $1,000 more than her mortgage." — Mike [07:17]

3. The Art (and Science) of Negotiating Rent

• Drafting the Pitch

  • Mike crafted a negotiation email to a leasing agent (Katrina), seeking waived application fees and included amenities, referencing comparable rental prices in the building.

• Nicole’s Negotiation Tips

  • Remove exclamation points—avoid sounding desperate, appear as a savvy, in-demand renter.
  • Always research building inventory and prior rental prices as leverage.
  • Introduce “throwaway” negotiation points the landlord can refuse, so they feel they’re ‘winning’ some concessions.

• Memorable Quote:

  • "You should not come across as thirsty and put out a negotiating offer, because a negotiation is a give, take, give, take dance." — Nicole [11:09]

4. The Application Process: Critical Steps and Mistakes

• Importance of Submitting the Application
  • Mike hesitated to apply before locking in a lower price, fearing it would signal acceptance of current terms.
  • Nicole clarifies: landlords need proof of qualification before seriously negotiating on price or terms.
    • "They're not going to negotiate with you before they know you're qualified." — Nicole [13:43]
    • “Get your fucking application in, Mike.” — Nicole [14:30]

5. The “Sliding Price Scale” Trap and Corporate Leasing Tactics

• After finally applying, Mike discovers the building uses a dynamic, rising price system: apartment costs rise daily, especially if the move-in date is in the future, which ultimately prices him out.
  • “When I saw the apartment...it was listed at $3,600...by the time it got to the application being approved, it got raised to $3,800.” — Mike [15:53]
  • Leasing agents offered little explanation, and refused to negotiate once pricing had changed.

6. Alternative Negotiation Outcomes

• Rebates Instead of Rent Reductions
  • In another building, a broker offers Mike a $1,200 rebate on a $3,700 unit, essentially honoring the $3,600 cap Mike was comfortable with.

7. The Freelancer’s Documentation Dilemma

• Income Verification Hurdles

  • Mike can meet rent multiples on paper, but as a freelance worker, his recent increase in income is hard to document to landlords.
  • Landlords request CPA letters or more formal documentation, which Mike hasn’t proactively organized.

• Nicole’s Solution:

  • Emphasizes necessity for freelancers to formalize finances: secure an accountant, possibly set up an LLC or S Corp, prepare for unexpected document requests (by landlords or otherwise).
    • “If you are comfortable with this building, and you can prepay, that's a way I see getting around it...Get a CPA and...an LLC or an S Corp and get that situated so that it doesn't cause you greater issues.” — Nicole [22:53]

8. Big Picture Advice

• Even if the apartment doesn’t work out, treat this as the wake-up call to get personal and business finances organized now, rather than at the next high-stakes moment.

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Nicole on mindset:

  • "You're not a bum for doing that. But from a lady perspective...having some other roommates is less appealing." [04:31]

• Mike on rental market surprise:

  • "I really thought that $3,500 was going to get me like a beautiful...I was just wrong. Completely wrong." [07:17]

• Nicole’s negotiation ethos:

  • "A negotiation is a give, take, give, take dance." [11:09]

• On sliding rent prices:

  • “It went from $3,600 to $3,800 in less than two weeks.” — Mike [15:53]

• Nicole’s tough love:

  • “Get your fucking application in, Mike.” [14:30]

• Mike’s realization:

  • “I learned that waiting to the very last minute to find a CPA to write you a note to get an apartment is a really bad idea. I gotta get my shit together, man.” [25:00]

---

Key Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | Highlights | |-----------|-------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------| | 03:19 | Mike Introduces His Situation | The importance of moving out, shock at NYC prices | | 07:17 | The Budget Reality Check | Comparing rent to mortgages, market frustration | | 09:30 | Crafting a Negotiation Email | Nicole’s tone and negotiation pointers | | 13:43 | Why Application Submission Matters | Nicole on landlord psychology and process | | 15:53 | Dynamic Pricing Exposed | Mike sees rent increase—feels powerless | | 18:00 | Exploring Alternatives | Negotiating rebates with brokers | | 21:01 | Freelance Income Verification Difficulty | Mike’s struggles, Nicole’s freelancing finance advice | | 22:53 | Organize Finances Proactively | Formalizing gig work, establishing an LLC/S Corp | | 25:00 | Mike’s Takeaway | Importance of early financial organization |

---

Takeaways

• For Renters:
  • Research inventory and historic rents for leverage.
  • Appear interested but never desperate in negotiations.
  • Submit applications promptly—negotiation only begins after basic qualification.
  • Beware of buildings using dynamic pricing models.
• For Freelancers:
  • Prepare documentation for income verification well in advance—have a CPA lined up, formalize income structure (LLC/S Corp).
• General:
  • Treat setbacks as prompts to finally organize your financial life. You’ll need it sooner than you think!

---

Tone & Style

Nicole balances warmth, directness, and humor, making painful financial topics approachable rather than intimidating. She’s empathetic but never coddling, and delivers actionable advice with wit and specificity.

---

Summary in a Nutshell

This episode of Money Rehab pulls back the curtain on NYC apartment hunting, revealing its harrowing blend of hopes, harsh realities, and obscure management practices. Through Mike’s story, the episode delivers a master class in negotiating like a pro, especially for freelancers. Nicole’s blunt but supportive guidance reminds listeners: financial adulthood is less about crossing milestones, and more about getting your paperwork (and mindset) in order—before you need it.

Transcript

[A]

Support for today's episode comes from Square. The easy way for business owners to take payments, book appointments, manage staff and keep everything running in one place. On this show and in my books, I always talk about how important it is to have multiple streams of income. But how do you actually go from hobby to hustle?

[B]

The answer?

[A]

Square. I have seen it so many times in real life. Just this weekend at the Farmer's Market, there was a mom selling banana bread. We love banana bread and I could not resist. In the past, I might have missed out because I never carry cash. But with Square, she was able to take my card. In seconds, I got my delicious treat, she got paid and neither of us had to stress With Square, you can get all the tools to run your business with none of the contracts or complexity. And why wait? Right now you get up to $200 off square hardware at square.com go mnn that's square.com g o m n N as in Money News Network. Run your business smarter with Square. Get started today if you take only one thing away from today's episode. Money Rehabbers Let it be this in my not so humble opinion, Public is the best brokerage for investing in bonds, stocks, ETFs, options and even crypto. You can try it out for yourself and see why I love it so much. @Public.com MoneyRehab Public is legit, the only platform I use to buy bonds. Before public, I used to buy government bonds the hard way. Slow websites, confusing interfaces, website designs straight.

[B]

Out of the early 2000s.

[A]

Just picture where fun goes to die. That was it. And then I found Public about five years ago and I have not looked back. I can now finally buy bonds without wanting to rip my hair out. Public makes it so easy to buy bonds. Whether you're into Treasuries or corporate bonds, you can browse thousands of options right from your phone. But like I said, public isn't just all about bonds. You can also find stocks and ETFs and they often offer a high yield cash account with a 4.1% APY, which is higher than the national average. They even have retirement accounts. You can now open a traditional or Roth IRA or both right on public so your future self covered. And for a limited time you can earn a 1% match on all your IRA deposits, IRA transfers and 401k rollovers. If you want an investing experience that's both smart and simple, head to public.com money rehab one more time. Public.com money rehab this is a paid endorsement for Public Investing. Full Disclosures and conditions can be found in the podcast description. Hey, guys, are you ready for some Money Rehab?

[C]

Wall street has been completely upended by an unlikely player, GameStop.

[B]

And should I have a 401k? Because that don't do it. No, I know, girl.

[C]

You think the whole world revolves around.

[B]

You and your money. Well, it doesn't charge for wasting our time. I will take a check like a old school ch. You recognize her from anchoring on cnn, cnbc, and Bloomberg. The only financial expert you don't need.

[A]

A dictionary to understand. Nicole Lapin.

[B]

Today's listener intervention is with our very own producer, Mike Coscarelli. Mike, welcome to Money Rehab. Although you're always here. So, like, what's up?

[C]

Hi, Nicole. Thank you so much. First time caller, longtime listener. I've been looking for an apartment. I live in New York City. I currently live in Brooklyn. I live with a bunch of roommates. And my plan was to, now that I'm making enough money, you know, because, I mean, we're all rich working on this show, duh. I figured it was time to move out, stop living with roommates, get my own place in New York City. That's a. That's a really. That's like a big milestone. And it's pretty hard to be honest, just based off of price and everything like that. This is such an expensive city to live in that you have to be making a good amount of money to really take that chance. Unless you do the smart thing, which is what our other producer, Morgan, did, and live with, like, a partner, you know?

[B]

But this is a really good next step to getting a partner.

[C]

Yeah. The upgrade of having your own space in your own place. Because, yeah, I mean, for me, I don't want to make it, you know, I don't want to say anything. Everybody's choices are their own choices, but for me, I feel a little bit like a bum living with three other guys. Still. That's how I feel personally. Now, that doesn't mean that everybody feels that way. And I understand. I don't want. I'm not coming for anybody. That's just how I feel.

[B]

You're not a bum for doing that. But from a lady perspective, and I'm going home with a dude, having some other roommates, like, is less appealing.

[C]

Yeah. And I do think, frankly, if you are in a situation where you find somebody that you begin to like and hang out with, like, it is hard to be taken seriously if the reality of your situation is that you still live with a bunch of guys. And, you know, I think of what. I'm in my 30s. I think a woman in her 30s, when she's dating somebody wants to see that a guy kind of has a plan to get the hell out of a situation like that. And it's just I don't want to live amongst. You know, one of my roommates spends every morning, you know, an hour and a half in the shower. That seems unnecessary. I don't like living with that. You know, I don't like waking up and wondering if I'm going to be able to brush my teeth before this guy gets into the bathroom, because otherwise I'm going to have to wait until noon to do it. I really wanted to stay in Brooklyn. I really love Brooklyn. I have a car. It's not really easy to have a car in Manhattan just because of the parking situation and everything. And Queens is Queens. I mean, you know, it's just. There's a stigma with living in Queens. It's just not as cool as. As Brooklyn. And I'm a cool guy, so that's where I want to.

[B]

You are a cool babe.

[C]

And I thought at the price point that I was, that I have entered into that I would be able to really have my pick of a pretty nice apartment almost anywhere in Brooklyn, just because I figured that, you know, I've never paid even remotely close to this amount of rent that I'm willing to pay. And I was just wrong. Completely wrong. I couldn't be farther from the truth. Currently there is a. It is a. It's a market for people that are renting and not for renters. There's not a lot to rent.

[B]

Yeah. So what have you been spending on rent?

[C]

$900, like $15 or something on rent. Okay, Morgan just made a face, and that's because I live with three other fucking people.

[B]

Morgan did not make a face.

[C]

No, Morgan made a face like, wow, 900 something dollars.

[B]

So now you have increased this budget threefold or more.

[C]

Yes, I'd say, yeah, three. A little bit more than threefold, Baller. Yeah, our show is. Is very successful, Nicole.

[B]

I mean, yes, we're nominated for an ambie. God damn it.

[C]

That's right. And we're going to win it.

[B]

Yeah, we are. Yeah. And you've gone through your own money rehab. Everybody is winning here. So you're looking for a paddle. Sweet solo pad in the city with what, 3, 500 as a maximum budget, as a max.

[C]

When I was started to search, I thought that 3500 was going to get me like a beautiful. I was like, I'll go to 3500 if I see a 1200 square foot apartment somewhere in like downtown Brooklyn where, like, I really thought that that's what that was going to get me because I've just, I just figured that much fucking money was, that's what you'd get. And so. But now I'm learning that 3500 is apparently not even really that much, which sounds insane to me. I told my mom that I was looking at that apartments for that price, and she said it was like $1,000 more than her mortgage. Granted, she lives in New Jersey. It's still expensive, but like, it's more smelly and not as fun, you know, so that's sort of the, the payoff that you, you, you can live a little better at a place where that's, you know, not New York City. But it does, like, when you put it in that perspective, it does seem kind of crazy that you're going to spend that much money for something in a neighborhood that I, you know, these neighborhoods that I've been seeing for, you know, less than 1,000 square feet. It seems a little nuts.

[B]

It does seem nuts. So you went out to look for apartments and you then realized that $3,500.

[C]

Would get you, what, depending on where in the city, you know, it could, it could get you a two bedroom, but it's a, it's a two bedroom that's really a one bedroom with this little wall that they just put up. So it's the same amount of space. It's just kind of like a normal sized one bedroom. I like my neighborhood right now because it is. There is a neighborhood feel. I kind of have my normal coffee shops, I have my normal restaurants. I. There, I, I know people in the neighborhood.

[B]

Okay, so you found a place that you can walk to get coffee from. So you said you drafted an email that you were about to send and then you pasted it in the text. And then I looked at it and it felt eager and so it had a lot of exclamation points. Wait, did you write that or did Morgan?

[C]

I wrote it, but I think because I spend so much time with Morgan and read so much of her writing that the. I've. I've caught exclamation point fever.

[B]

Yeah, that's, that's true. I thought it could have been Morgan because you don't even put exclamation points when you're chatting girls up.

[C]

So.

[B]

Yeah, now, now, like, okay, so you put, you put exclamation points. You're very Exclamation point happy. Like, hey, I love this place.

[C]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[B]

And then I took out the exclamation points. I scrubbed them, and I was a little more aloof. It wasn't like, this is the only place. I tried to make it say, like, I'm looking at a lot of places. There's a lot of inventory on there. This is not special. Okay, so read me the whole thing. You have it in front of you.

[C]

So we are emailing a woman named Katrina. Hi, Katrina. Thank you for setting up the tour. I'm looking at a few other similar units today in the area, but I'm interested in seeing what more we can do to make apartment. I'll keep that blank. The winner. I am ready to move quickly. I have noticed that there is quite a lot of inventory at the building and that the unit previously rented for approximately $3,400, which was true. We did research on that. If we could come in there with the application fee waived and the building amenities included, I could be ready to move forward immediately. Considering the fact that the Avalon is billed as a building with views of the Empire State Building, this is an equitable offer for a third floor unit that does not offer what is marketed. Looking forward to continuing the conversation to make this a win win and a smooth process for everyone. I am available between time and time today to discuss further. Regards, Mike.

[B]

Right, so I wanted you to research how many units in that building were available, because then you're getting into their psychology of, you know, them needing to get to their quotas or whatever they have as a bigger building and a bigger company or management system. And also that you should not come across as thirsty and put out a negotiating offer, because a negotiation is a give, take, give, take dance. And so if, you know, you say that you want your application fee wage, which was like, what, 20 bucks or something like that. I looked at the website and the amenities. I mean, that was a throwaway thing. They're gonna feel good if they can cross something out. If they can be like, okay, well, definitely no on this. We'll see what we can do on this. So when you go in with something that you don't really want and you hope that they're gonna cross that out, that actually is what happened. They're like, we can't move on this. Which is what I was expecting, because they're a corporate type operation. You're not dealing with, like, some dude.

[A]

Who'S renting out his apartment.

[B]

And so they said, we can't do anything on that. Because they're rules follower type people. But they didn't respond to the 3400, which was where it rented before. So you didn't just pull that number out of your ass, it was what you researched. The apartment had already gone for.

[C]

That's right.

[B]

And then I told you not to put in the longer lease negotiating chip because you could use that later on. So the latest is that you called, which I told you to do this weekend, but you have to do dates to go on and things like this.

[C]

Yes.

[B]

So it wasn't in the top of the priority list. Fine. But you then ultimately called and you what, asked for a manager?

[C]

Yes. And they just said put an application in and. But the price is the price.

[B]

Did you put the application in?

[C]

No, because I can't afford these apartments now. And I'm also just kind of soured by this experience and it's making me not as excited.

[B]

Wait, you can't afford the. You can't afford the one that. The third floor one.

[C]

The third floor one was the one I liked. No.

[B]

Right. So what's the problem?

[C]

Yeah, it was. It was originally. It was over my budget. Originally. That's why I was trying to negotiate it down into my budget, because I was willing to hit the top of my budget for that. Because it had. It was like 700 and something square feet. It was pretty big, so.

[B]

But you need to put the application in, dude, because they're not going to negotiate with you before they know you're qualified.

[C]

Is that what it comes down to? I have to put the application in and see?

[B]

Yeah, because they have to run a credit check and stuff like that. So they can't negotiate before they know if you're qualified to even move in. So you should have put the application in.

[C]

I didn't know I was supposed to do that.

[B]

So do that like asap. What do you mean?

[C]

I thought that you like, I thought I didn't want to put the application in for that price because then I thought that that would be the price.

[B]

No, they need to verify that you can afford it first. If I'm a landlord, I'm not going to negotiate with any schmo off the street. I want to make sure that you have money.

[C]

Yeah, that does seem to make sense.

[B]

Get your fucking application in, Mike.

[C]

Okay.

[B]

Hold on to your wallets, boys and girls. Money rehab will be right back.

[A]

So how do you feel about fees? Because I hate them.

[B]

Seriously.

[A]

I always try to warn listeners about fees. It doesn't matter if it's in your mutual fund. Or in your checking account. Fees Fees eat at your gains and hold you back from becoming the best and wealthiest version of yourself. One thing I do love and think a lot of people can benefit from banking. With Chime, you can open a checking account with no monthly fees and no maintenance fees. Plus they have 47,000 fee free ATMs where you can withdraw your own money free of charge. That's more than the top three national banks combined. Not only does Trime save you money, but it offers other benefits as well. Work on your financial goals through Trime. Today. Open an [e-mail] MNN as in Money News Network. That's Chime.com MNN Chime feels like progress.

[D]

Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services and debit card provided by the Bancorp Bank NA or Stride Bank NA members. FDIC Spot Me Eligibility requirements and overdraft limits apply. Timing depends on submission of payment file fees. Apply it out of network ATMs, bank ranking and number of ATMs according to US News and World Report, 2023 chime checking account required.

[A]

Now for some more money rehab two.

[B]

Weeks later so did you apply?

[C]

I did apply. I got approved.

[B]

Yay.

[C]

But part of the issue was that they have this sliding price scale, which I've talked to a handful of people now. Nobody's ever seen something like this before, but when I saw the apartment that I wanted, it was listed at 3600 for the month, per month, which was a little above my price range. That's like the whole conversation that we've been having and the whole reason why it felt necessary to try to negotiate a little bit of that off the price. And after I had selected that I wanted a March 1st move in date, after having seen the apartment a week and a half prior to putting the application in, the price went up $200 a month for the apartment. So it went from 3,600 to 3,800 in less than two weeks. And that's why that's just the way their scale is. For whatever reason their system is in this building. I won't name names in New York City, but a building in Long Island City in Queens in New York has a scale that it just every single day the price increases a little bit, whether it's $35 or whatever. So by the time it got to the application being approved, it got raised to 3,800, which obviously I could not afford.

[B]

So wait, wait, wait. The scale, is it also depending on what day you choose to move in.

[C]

It Is, but it's obviously more expensive. Basically, if you. If you make the choice to move in tomorrow, you get it for the list price.

[B]

Did you ask them what the scoop on that is?

[C]

Yep. They couldn't give me an answer. I tried to ask them because I asked the woman on the phone. I called them, I did everything. I emailed them, I called them. I finally got somebody on the phone once the application was approved and was in. So once I got approved for it, I basically said, guys, so this price obviously can't be the price, right? Because I saw it at 36 and now it's at 38. And she's like, yeah, no, no, that's the price because you wanted to move in date of March 1st. And I was like, so what if nobody. If I don't take this apartment and it just stays on the market, this apartment's going to be $4,200. For this apartment, you're going to raise it almost $1,000 in a month. That doesn't seem to make any sense. And the woman was just like, I don't know, I'm just kind of new to this building. I don't really know. She gave me some bullshit stutter answer. I really did think this was a tactic for them to kind of open a conversation. I really thought that when I hung up the phone, she was just going to go, all right, well, so this guy's approved. He can be in the building. Can we talk about, like. And I thought I was going to get a call from somebody in the leasing office that's like, hey, Mike, we just talked to so and so, you know, we want you in the building. You're approved already. Like, what can we do to make this work? And they just didn't. So I just pulled out of it. So I just kind of started looking for more apartments, and now I have an application in another building next to it. I found an apartment that I liked. This broker showed me around. It was 37. I told him that I had another apartment that I liked just as much, but I liked that apartment. And I was willing to put an application in, but I wasn't willing to spend more than 3,600. And also they have a couple of their amenities in this building because it's one of those high rise buildings. There's a couple of amenities that are still under construction. Like they're redoing the pool, they're redoing their locker rooms or whatever. So I also said that I needed to have the amenities waived, which is another $50 a month.

[B]

And then what happened?

[C]

He said the building probably wasn't going to do 3600 for the apartment. So what he said was he was going to give me a $1,200 rebate. He was basically going to write me a check for $1,200 to take the apartment at 37 so it would even out.

[B]

Where are. Where's your head now? You want this other apartment for 3600, which was your budget, and then ultimately, like, somehow you're getting it at 3,600. So is there a problem now?

[C]

I make enough money to cover the rent or 40 times the rent, whatever the stupid metric is, I can cover it. Between this, like, working on this show and the other iheart shows that I work on and all these, you know, all these other projects. But I don't have a lot of tax information that backs that up because a lot of this work that I started getting didn't start until probably halfway through last year. I've given them pay stubs and copies of invoices and stuff like that. They want. It's just a major hoop to jump through to get freelance income approved. It seems like they want me to get a CPA letter. I don't even have a cpa.

[B]

Why don't you have a cpa?

[C]

I mean, I have a guy that has done my taxes.

[B]

I have a guy in Jersey, another guy. Of course you do. You're Mike Coscarelli. You're a guy for everything.

[C]

No, I have. So a friend of mine who, you know, one of my first freelance gigs was in 2018, but I didn't freelance for long. I probably freelanced for a couple of months, and then the company that I was working with made me full time, so there was a couple of months of income that I had to sort of figure out what I owed in taxes. He helped me do that, and he has done my taxes for me, I think the last three years. But they've been. For the most part, I've just worked at a company and they send me a tax return. And then they're not difficult. This is the first step for me where as a producer, I've gone out on my own as opposed to had a salaried job. And I didn't. There's things that I have planned for the next year that are obviously going to require a. A real accountant or CPA that can help me get set up. Setting up an llc, setting up that's on my slab. I just didn't think that I was going to need all that stuff to get an apartment.

[B]

This has been the moral of a lot of our interventions. Not that this is a classic intervention of sorts, but usually it's not the thing that we start talking about. It's something else that's the issue. And I think the issue has come to the forefront that you might not have been expecting, but is the real issue we should be talking about and addressing. And this rent debutante ball that you've.

[A]

Done around Long Island City has analyzed.

[B]

It has, has pushed it to the forefront, importantly so, because you know, thankfully it's just dealing with the rents with these, you know, whatever built corporate buildings. That is not as much of an issue as let's say an audit or some other, you know, like I just got a super lovely bill from the New York Labor Department for some fucking form or something or other. It's really a annoying to set up all the things that you need for various entities and keep up with that. If you're going to do that this year, like, let's do that right now. And yes, get a cpa and yes, either get a LLC or an S Corp and get that situated so that it doesn't cause you greater issues in the future. You know, worst case scenario here if we fast forward the videotape is that you stay with your rubies, which is, I know, granted high class problems, you still have a roof over your head. All the things, you know, fast forward a videotape if you get into some other financial shit, less, less fundsies. So I think that if you are comfortable with this building, um, and you can prepay, that's a way that I see getting around it. And by the way, if you didn't have this wake up call, then you would probably have procrastinated more. So I'm glad you had this wake up call. And so I think that all of this is ultimately gonna put a little.

[A]

Pep in your step to get it together and get it all. For today's tip, you can take straight to the bank.

[B]

Mike, what did you learn today?

[C]

What did I learn today? I learned that waiting to the very last minute to find a CPA to write you a note to get an apartment is a really bad idea. I gotta get my shit together, man.

[A]

Money Rehab is a production of iHeartRadio. I'm your host, Nicole Lapin. Our producers are Morgan Lavoie and Mike Coscarelli. Executive producers are Nikki Etor and Will Pearson. Our mascots are Penny and Mimzy.

[B]

Huge thanks to OG Money Rehab team.

[A]

Michelle lands for her development work. Katherine Law for her production and writing magic, and Brandon Dickert for his editing, engineering and sound design. And as always, thanks to you for finally investing. Investing in yourself so that you can get it together and get it all.