Young Indian research analyst Vatsal Nahata?made headlines for bagging a job at the World Bank in 2020-2022?recently posted something on LinkedIn that has been grabbing users' eyeballs.
Vatsal, who currently works at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), has shared some life hacks on how to live comfortably in the US?without burning a hole in your bank balance.
But first, let us get to know more about him.
Vatsal Nahata completed his schooling at?St.Xavier's Collegiate School, Kolkata?in 2015, in the commerce stream. He then completed his Economic Honors from the prestigious Shri Ram College Of Commerce (SRCC) in 2018. Post that, Vatsal completed his Master's in Economics from Yale University in 2020, the year in which he also worked as a research assistant at the University.
Then from July 2020 to March 2022,?Vatsal worked as a consultant with the World Bank Group, during which time he was also the co-lead (mentorship program) in World Bank Youth to Youth Community. And currently, he?works as a research analyst at the IMF (International Monetary Fund), which he joined in March 2022 in Washington (US).
85% of items in American grocery stores are filled with processed chemicals. Read the ingredients very carefully and avoid anything with tons of added sugars, high sodium, tocopherols etc. There's a reason why people are so obese. It's totally worth spending $2-$3 extra and buying high quality milk, breads, cereals and yoghurt. FlavCity is a great YouTube channel on eating healthy in America.??
I could have saved at least $700 on my car loan interest payments if I had built some credit history. Because I only got my first credit card after graduating, my credit score stayed depressed for a year. Even if you're only spending $10 per month through the credit card, it is still worth enrolling for one. The best option would be to get a credit-builder card from Chase/Wells Fargo. You'll also understand how to hack the points system here.
Also Read:?F(N)AQ: Why Should You Care About Your?Credit Score?
They only cost $5 per month and provide benefits worth $10. Every month, I get a flat $10 discount on anything I buy from CVS. I use it for things like shampoo, toothpaste, detergents etc. On the whole, I easily net $100-$150 every year (because they also run a lot of other discounts too).
Places like Macy's, TJ Maxx, Nordstrom Rack have crazy discounts during the onset of winter (with cheaper and higher quality jackets). You can also stack up on daily essentials from dollar stores (where things cost only $1). Don't get any spices from India - there are many well stocked Indian grocery stores here where you'll get every imaginable spice.??
Don't cheap out on health insurance. Vatsal says don't buy that Bajaj health insurance - it most likely won't work and you'll have liabilities worth thousands of dollars if you fall ill or injure yourself. Moreover, if you intend to stay for 3-4 years here, it's a great investment to first-hand get acquainted with the insurance system. Universities offer good health insurance and you should book regular health checkups and physician appointments through your insurance. I personally did this and it still helps me navigate the system till date.??
Your university will typically have an office for international students (OISS). But they do only an okayish job of getting you aware of your immigration options. I truly regret not fully knowing my immigration options on OPT, STEM OPT etc. (for example, a company can only hire you on STEM OPT if they are e-verified, unlike OPT where anyone related to your field can hire you). It's totally worth hiring an immigration lawyer for an hour for $100.
The post went has gone viral on LinkedIn and gained more than 800 likes already, along with multiple reposts and comments pouring in.
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