Every tax season in NYC, I hear rumors that it's possible to write off your monthly rent... Is that true? - Michelle Sort of. You may be able to write off part of your rent, but only under certain circumstances. According to Kiplinger's Personal Finance, "You might be able to deduct your home office expenses if you do your freelance work from an office in your house." This personal finance column on their site states,... [continue]

One of my New Year's Resolutions is to save more money. The problem is I have a modest salary, and it takes all of my paycheck to pay my rent and live life in New York. Can you help me think of simple ways to save more money, short of resorting to illegal measures? According to CNN, New York City is indeed the most expensive city in the U.S. And Salary.com states that "Salaries in... [continue]

It's freezing outside... so I bundle up. Then I start walking the long walk to work, and I'm roasting. Help me keep warm without overheating!! The trick is to layer your clothing - try several lighter layers instead of one bulky sweater. You'll still be warm but you'll be able to shed a layer as needed when you're warmed up from walking or when you get indoors. Aim for clothes that you can unzip or... [continue]

Growing up I always had cats, and while many friends have had dogs, I've never had one of my own. I feel like I am finally mature enough to commit to taking care of a dog, but I am completely unprepared. I have been doing some research, but would like to ask you and other New Yorkers experienced with dog ownership what breed of dog is most suitable, both for a first timer and for... [continue]

My parents are starting to make plans to visit for Thanksgiving. Being that there's no way I'm cooking a turkey in my miniature oven, can you recommend some good restaurants for Turkey Day? Ask Gothamist can relate, as there's no way we could fit a turkey in our tiny oven, let along rely on it for an accurate temperature or seat four people in our apartment for a real sit-down meal. So when the Ask... [continue]

I hadn't had dental insurance since college and after 4 years, those cavities really need to be dealt with. And now it looks like my wisdom tooth has decided to (very painfully) make its appearance! My paycheck's just enough to pay the rent, but not enough to leave me with any savings... and the work health insurance has absolutely no dental coverage. How do people in my position get their teeth fixed in this city??... [continue]

Ask Gothamist is excited because this week is the second annual Cupcakes for a Cause™ - which means we have an excuse to eat lots of cupcakes, and we advise you to do the same! During the week of September 26 through October 2, visit any participating bakery in NYC - including Billy's Bakery, Sugar Sweet Sunshine, Buttercup Bakeshop, SoHo Cupcake Company, Little Pie, Company, Crumb's, Two Little Red Hens, William Greenberg Bakery, Amy's Bread,... [continue]

Is there anywhere to go apple picking near the city which is accessible by public transit? We're so glad you asked this question, because we are getting ready to kick it into gear for Autumn of Fun 05, which involves getting large-ish groups of people together for autumnal excursions such as apple picking. We found a few orchards that offer apple picking and directions by mass transit: Wickham's Fruit Farm, in Cutchogue, Long Island can... [continue]

Every now and then, Ask Gothamist will offer up some unsolicited advice. This week, we advise you to consider the following: Adopt a pet. As previously noted on Gothamist, the city's animal shelters are overwhelmed at the moment. If your building allows pets, maybe now is the time to adpot a cat or dog. Just please, please don't be like Paris Hilton and trade in your pet if its gets "too big". Drink up for... [continue]

I was walking in midtown recently, and I passed by a street fair that ran down an avenue. I'm wondering when they happen because they seem to pop up randomly (unless I'm not paying proper attention). How can I find out when there will be street fair in my neighborhood? - Rob Many of the typical street fairs in New York seem to be managed by one organization, Mardi Gras Productions. They post a handy... [continue]

Being a corporate monkey for the past two years is beginning to stunt my sense of individuality, and I've found myself considering getting another piercing to hide under all of this Business Casual. If I were back in my hometown, I'd hit up the neighborhood joint where all the girls got their bellybuttons done and call it a day, but the variety of options in New York is daunting, and not really something I can... [continue]

I am moving to Brooklyn from Washington, DC, in a month. My boyfriend moved here 8 months ago. My family is from New York City but I have never lived here. On the other hand, my boyfriend lived here for 4 years when he was in college a while ago. It already drives him crazy that I don't know my way around when I visit. I'm afraid I'm going to put a major strain on... [continue]

Since there's been some discussion on Gothamist about the possibility of cell phones on the subway, Ask Gothamist thought we'd revisit some of our past advice about subway etiquette and cell phone etiquette. Ask Gothamist recommends: Don't do your personal grooming on the subway. Keep your feet off the seats. Don't let your wet umbrella drip on your fellow passengers. After multiple swipes that won't work at a turnstile, step aside. We'd also like to... [continue]

In general, is it common practice in NYC to offer gifts if someone does you a favor? Specifically, a parking garage employee has offered to help me get a coveted parking spot in the garage in a few weeks. I don't know if she's just being nice or perhaps expects something in return. Which she certainly hasn't suggested in any way, but I can't imagine it would hurt my prospects. I'd be happy to oblige,... [continue]

Since, like most commoners in our fair city, I don't live in a climate-controlled apartment, how would you recommend storing open red wine? Room temperature can rise to the 80's on hot days, and I don't think it's that much cooler inside a closet. Can I keep it in the fridge and bring it to room temperature when I'm ready to pour a glass? On a related note, are there any reds that are acceptable... [continue]

I've saved just about every concert ticket, sports event, and even some movie tickets throughout the years. I want to frame/display/preserve my collection somehow. What can I do that's cool?? Ask Gothamist is a fan of decoupage - it's easy to do and is inexpensive since it requires few materials. For those of you not familiar with decoupaging, this is when you take items and basically glue/shellac them onto an object. You could decoupage your... [continue]

Where can I find etiquette classes in New York for my 12 year-old son? Ask Gothamist thinks this is a terrific idea, as many children - not to mention adults - could certainly benefit from etiquette classes. You are a wise parent to want to teach your child proper manners and respect for others. There's a company in NYC called Protocol Training Services that offers "Youth Etiquette Camps for Children and Teens." Topics covered include... [continue]

I'm a student, and my crappy student health plan doesn't cover vision. The problem is I need, in no particular order, new lenses for one pair of glasses, another pair, and a pair of prescription sunglasses. My criteria may, taken all together, be absurd, but I'm looking for: stylish frames, variety, and affordability. Someone told me about a guy named Louis Gaspari who's an optician in Lower Manhattan who sells glasses for something like $40,... [continue]

I'm a freelance writer and usually work for bigger media outlets, so getting paid is no problem. Last January, however, I did some work for a private production company; five months later I have yet to be paid. I've invoiced a number of times (and spoken to the guy who hired me on the phone), and he keeps saying "I can't pay you until I get paid." I'm getting really frustrated! I'm reluctant to take... [continue]

This amazing girl I know just broke up with her boyfriend. We are friends, though not too close. I really like her very much and I think she'd be cool with being with me too, but how do I broach the subject of going out with her as more than friends without looking too shady? I don't want to wait too long, because she really is special and there will be many entreaties from many... [continue]