Like a real-life, Rachel Green from the acclaimed TV series Friends, NYC-native Anthony Stratis always dreamed of working in fashion while seeking financial independence that he didn't have as a kid. But in New York City, known for a hustle culture and high price of living, growing personal wealth is incredibly difficult. Adding another layer to that, Stratis grew up in a financially unstable single-parent household, limiting his source of finance education and making the dream of abundance seem nearly impossible. As he's seen success in his career having worked for iconic designers like Oscar de la Renta, Calvin Klein, and Vera Wang, he's tried his best to expand his knowledge and make his younger self proud. Living Not So Fabulously hosts, David & John Auten-Schneider, spoke with Anthony about better ways to build wealth beyond a strict savings account, how to work towards goals, and having hard conversations with your partner. Inspired by his story, David and John share their own moments of financial awakening, including a spending analysis that revealed unconscious overspending. This episode is full of heartfelt insights into the realities of budgeting, saving, and building a life in one of the world's most expensive cities. Hosts and husbands of Living Not So Fabulously, David & John Auten-Schneider, dive into real money stories with activists, allies, artists, tech-gurus, and trailblazers in the LGBTQ+ community to give you tangible takeaways to tackle your wallet woes. Find this episode's transcripts and more episodes of Living Not So Fabulously at http://finance.yahoo.com/videos/series/living-fabulously/. Have a money story of your own? Questions? Fan mail? Email us at [email protected]. 00:00-Anthony Stratis joins Living Not So Fabulously 04:00-How childhood lessons and trauma comes with us into adulthood 07:10-Talking salaries with colleagues 10:00-Tools to help when your lifestyle doesn't align with your spending habits 13:30-Struggling with financial-savvy in an unaffordable city 19:30-The power of goal-setting Yahoo Finance's Living Not So Fabulously is hosted by David & John Auten-Schneider, and created and produced by Rachael Lewis-Krisky. Anthony Stratis is a NY-native in fabric technology and development, having worked for brands like Vera Wang, Calvin Klein, and Oscar de la Renta. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices