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The Cheapest Place To Buy a Home in Every East Coast State

The Cheapest Place To Buy a Home in Every East Coast State

Yahoo19-07-2025
Dreaming of East Coast living without the sky-high real estate prices? From charming mountain view towns to quiet inland communities, not every corner of the East Coast comes with a luxury price tag. Whether you're looking for a starter home, a place to retire or just a more affordable ZIP code near the Atlantic, there are pockets of the region that are dirt cheap.
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Using data from Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) and the U.S. Census Bureau regarding population, GOBankingRates has put together a list of the most affordable towns to buy a home on the East Coast.
Alabama
Cheapest place: Selmont-West Selmont
2025 ZHVI: $31,951
Total population: 2,121
Situated near the Alabama River, Selmont-West Selmont is near the Edmund Pettus Bridge, a historical landmark where marches from Selma to Montgomery took place during the Civil Rights Movement. According to BestPlaces, it's nearly 30% lower than the national average to live and the typical home price is over 90% cheaper.
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Connecticut
Cheapest place: Hartford
2025 ZHVI: $261,785
Total population: 119,970
Hartford, the state capital, offers a historical charm, a growing job market in the insurance industry and affordability. The cost of living is 4.8% higher than the national average, but 6.3% lower than Connecticut's average, per BestPlaces. Homes are 46.7% less expensive than the national average.
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Delaware
Cheapest place: Blades
2025 ZHVI: $235,753
Total population: 1,055
With its close proximity to Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, there's no shortage of things to do — golfing, hitting the beach, kayaking and more. The cost of living is 8.1% higher than the national average and 4.4% more than the state's average. However, housing is where you'll save; home prices are around 43% less expensive than the national average.
Florida
Cheapest place: Gretna
2025 ZHVI: $87,664
Total population: 1,405
Gretna is an idyllic small town where prices are reasonable. The cost of living is 16.3% lower than the national average, according to BestPlaces, and housing is cheap, too. Home prices are around 74% lower than the U.S. average.
Georgia
Cheapest place: Cuthbert
2025 ZHVI: $59,311
Total population: 3,045
Founded in the 1800s, Cuthbert is nestled near the Chattahoochee River, where you can enjoy canoeing, taking in the beautiful scenery or picnicking. According to BestPlaces, the cost of living is 34% lower than the national average and a home is 80% cheaper.
Maine
Cheapest place: Van Buren
2025 ZHVI: $103,455
Total population: 1,614
Van Buren is an idyllic and inviting small community that's located along the Saint John River.
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Maryland
Cheapest place: Kitzmiller
2025 ZHVI: $80,272
Total population: 192
Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, Kitmiller is a quiet community that's surrounded by awe-inspiring landscapes and you can snag a home for 78% less than the national average. The cost of living is 16.5% lower than the national average.
Massachusetts
Cheapest place: North Adams
2025 ZHVI: $243,572
Total population: 12,660
From outdoor concerts, beer gardens and theater festivals, North Adams offers interesting things to do without a hefty price tag. According to BestPlaces, it's 4.1% cheaper than the national average to live in the small town and buying a home is 37% less than the national average.
New Hampshire
Cheapest place: Groveton
2025 ZHVI: $159,727
Total population: 871
Situated in the White Mountains area, Groveton is a unique community where you can hike, enjoy stunning views, zipline and hit the speedway if you want some action. The cost of living is 21.4% less than the national average and the typical home price is 52% cheaper.
New Jersey
Cheapest place: Camden
2025 ZHVI: $151,947
Total population: 71,471
From family-friendly attractions to historical sites, there's plenty to do in Camden without breaking the bank. The cost of living is 5.8% lower than the national average, and home prices are affordable, too — 55% lower than the national average.
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New York
Cheapest place: Lyon Mountain
2025 ZHVI: $60,164
Total population: 240
Lyon Mountain is a scenic, rural community that has no shortage of breathtaking hikes and is very reasonably priced. The cost of living is 19% lower than the national average and 33% cheaper than New York's average, per BestPlaces. You can scoop up a cheap home for 83% lower than the national average.
North Carolina
Cheapest place: Roxobel
2025 ZHVI: $45,507
Total population: 347
Established in 1724, Roxobel is a tranquil area to live in for a reasonable price. According to BestPlaces, Roxobel is 26% cheaper to live than the national average.
Pennsylvania
Cheapest place: Girardville
2025 ZHVI: $41,732
Total population: 1,094
Girardville is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of big city life, but it still has everyday conveniences and inexpensive living. A house in Girardville is a steal — around 90% less expensive than the national average — and the overall cost of living is 22% cheaper.
Rhode Island
Cheapest place: Central Falls
2025 ZHVI: $393,251
Total population: 22,481
Whether you love historical walking tours, relaxing riverboat adventures or fun community events, there's something for everyone to enjoy in Central Falls. While cost of living is 8.8% higher than the national average, it's 3.3% cheaper than the state average, per BestPlaces.
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South Carolina
Cheapest place: Wagener
2025 ZHVI: $46,191
Total population: 1,170
Wagener is a lively, welcoming town with a close-knit community where locals always show up to support one another. Another perk is the cost of living, which is 15% less than the national average.
Vermont
Cheapest place: Orleans
2025 ZHVI: $158,790
Total population: 848
Known for its stunning beauty and quaint vibe, Orleans costs 12% less than the national average and 13% less than Vermont's average.
Virginia
Cheapest place: Appalachia
2025 ZHVI: $48,574
Total population: 1,612
Appalachia is located near the Appalachian Mountains and the small town once was a booming coal mining area. Now, it's where people can enjoy a serene lifestyle at affordable prices. The cost of living is 30% lower than the national average.
West Virginia
Cheapest place: War
2025 ZHVI: $31,962
Total population: 593
War is a budget-friendly town named after War Creek, which runs through the area. The cost of living is 30% cheaper than the national average, and houses are a steal.
Editor's note: Photos are for representational purposes only and might not reflect the exact locations listed.
Methodology: To find the cheapest place to buy a home in every state, GOBankingRates analyzed every state to find the cities with the cheapest median home values, as sourced from Zillow Home Value Index. For each city, the total population was sourced from the U.S. Census American Consumer Survey as supplemental data. All data was collected on and is up to date as of May 27, 2025.
More From GOBankingRates
Here's the Minimum Salary Required To Be Considered Upper Class in 2025
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: The Cheapest Place To Buy a Home in Every East Coast State
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The EU is keen to reach a deal with the US but as a cautionary measure has approved 30% tariffs if a deal is not made. Trump tariffs wreaking havoc in Brazil's citrus belt Reuters reports: Read more here. SCMP reports China-US another 90-day tariff extension The South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that "Beijing and Washington are expected to extend their tariff truce by another three months at trade talks in Stockholm beginning on Monday." More from the Hong-Kong-based SCMP: Read more here. The South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that "Beijing and Washington are expected to extend their tariff truce by another three months at trade talks in Stockholm beginning on Monday." More from the Hong-Kong-based SCMP: Read more here. Lutnick: EU has to offer Trump 'a good enough deal' to avoid 30% tariffs As President Trump prepares for a planned meeting about tariffs with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said Sunday that the European Union has to open its markets for US exports if it wants to convince Trump to reduce the 30% tariff he's threatened to put in place August 1. Reuters reports Lutnick said the EU appeared to want to make a deal: On Friday, Trump said the odds of a trade deal with the EU were about "50-50," even as negotiators from both sides expressed optimism. Read more here. As President Trump prepares for a planned meeting about tariffs with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said Sunday that the European Union has to open its markets for US exports if it wants to convince Trump to reduce the 30% tariff he's threatened to put in place August 1. Reuters reports Lutnick said the EU appeared to want to make a deal: On Friday, Trump said the odds of a trade deal with the EU were about "50-50," even as negotiators from both sides expressed optimism. Read more here. LG says consumers rushed to buy appliances ahead of tariffs Tariffs remain a key concern for South Korean appliance maker LG Electronics ( The company said that if President Trump's blanket tariffs take effect on Aug. 1, it will adjust prices and move some production to its plants in Mexico and the US. LG produces its products worldwide, particularly in South Korea, China, and Vietnam. On Aug. 1, imports from South Korea face a 25% tariff, while those from Vietnam face a 20% tariff. Imports from China are estimated to face tariffs of roughly 50%, though that could change after US and Chinese officials meet in Sweden for the next round of trade talks. According to LG, consumers rushed to purchase items in the first half of the year to avoid tariffs. Still, the company's net profit fell 3.1% in Q2 as operating costs increased. "Some consumers have been rushing to make purchases before the tariffs take effect," an executive said on the earnings call. "In the first half of 2025, we achieved approximately 3% growth year over year, higher than the market demand with new product launches and efficient sales operations, continuing to strengthen our market presence." But that pull-forward in demand could signal weakness ahead in the months to come if trade tensions escalate again. "A rise in product costs driven by the 50% tariff on steel and reciprocal tariffs that are set to be applied in the latter half of the year could translate into greater uncertainties for the market price," the executive said. "Additionally, shifts in the US government's trade policies and weakening consumer sentiment cast doubt on the demand outlook for home appliances." This isn't the first time LG has grappled with US protectionist policies. In 2018, during Trump's first term, washing machine prices rose when Trump targeted the industry with tariffs. Tariffs remain a key concern for South Korean appliance maker LG Electronics ( The company said that if President Trump's blanket tariffs take effect on Aug. 1, it will adjust prices and move some production to its plants in Mexico and the US. LG produces its products worldwide, particularly in South Korea, China, and Vietnam. On Aug. 1, imports from South Korea face a 25% tariff, while those from Vietnam face a 20% tariff. Imports from China are estimated to face tariffs of roughly 50%, though that could change after US and Chinese officials meet in Sweden for the next round of trade talks. According to LG, consumers rushed to purchase items in the first half of the year to avoid tariffs. Still, the company's net profit fell 3.1% in Q2 as operating costs increased. "Some consumers have been rushing to make purchases before the tariffs take effect," an executive said on the earnings call. "In the first half of 2025, we achieved approximately 3% growth year over year, higher than the market demand with new product launches and efficient sales operations, continuing to strengthen our market presence." But that pull-forward in demand could signal weakness ahead in the months to come if trade tensions escalate again. "A rise in product costs driven by the 50% tariff on steel and reciprocal tariffs that are set to be applied in the latter half of the year could translate into greater uncertainties for the market price," the executive said. "Additionally, shifts in the US government's trade policies and weakening consumer sentiment cast doubt on the demand outlook for home appliances." This isn't the first time LG has grappled with US protectionist policies. In 2018, during Trump's first term, washing machine prices rose when Trump targeted the industry with tariffs. Japan says $550 billion investment could finance Taiwanese chipmaker in US The $550 billion President Trump said Japan gave to the US "to lower their tariffs a little bit," could be used to help finance a Taiwanese chipmaker building plants in the US, the Associated Press reported Saturday. Trump on Thursday called the $550 billion "seed money" and that 90% of profits from the money invested would go to the US. "It's not a loan or anything, it's a signing bonus," Trump said. Read more here. The $550 billion President Trump said Japan gave to the US "to lower their tariffs a little bit," could be used to help finance a Taiwanese chipmaker building plants in the US, the Associated Press reported Saturday. Trump on Thursday called the $550 billion "seed money" and that 90% of profits from the money invested would go to the US. "It's not a loan or anything, it's a signing bonus," Trump said. Read more here. More cracks form in the US-Japan trade agreement We detailed earlier (keep scrolling) some initial, if gentle, pushback from the Japanese side on the US portrayal of the countries' trade deal. The Financial Times has a good, detailed look at some of the "cracks" forming: Read more here (subscription required). We detailed earlier (keep scrolling) some initial, if gentle, pushback from the Japanese side on the US portrayal of the countries' trade deal. The Financial Times has a good, detailed look at some of the "cracks" forming: Read more here (subscription required). EU head to meet with Trump this weekend in bid to clinch deal Bloomberg reports that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will meet with President Trump this weekend as he travels to his golf club in Scotland in a bid to secure a trade deal. The meeting will come as the two sides race to secure a deal ahead of next Friday — Trump's self-imposed deadline for 30% tariffs on EU goods to kick in. On Friday, Trump put the odds of a deal at "50-50." From the report: Bloomberg reports that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will meet with President Trump this weekend as he travels to his golf club in Scotland in a bid to secure a trade deal. The meeting will come as the two sides race to secure a deal ahead of next Friday — Trump's self-imposed deadline for 30% tariffs on EU goods to kick in. On Friday, Trump put the odds of a deal at "50-50." From the report: Trump: 'We haven't really had a lot of luck with Canada' President Trump on Friday expressed pessimism on US trade negotiations with Canada, suggesting he may simply impose threatened 35% tariffs on Canadian goods not covered by the existing US-Canada-Mexico trade agreement. "We haven't really had a lot of luck with Canada. I think Canada could be one where there's just a tariff, not really a negotiation," he said. More from Reuters: President Trump on Friday expressed pessimism on US trade negotiations with Canada, suggesting he may simply impose threatened 35% tariffs on Canadian goods not covered by the existing US-Canada-Mexico trade agreement. "We haven't really had a lot of luck with Canada. I think Canada could be one where there's just a tariff, not really a negotiation," he said. More from Reuters: Boston Beer Company says strong profits helped brewer absorb tariff costs The Boston Beer Company (SAM) continues to feel the effects of President Trump's tariffs, but a strong quarter of sales and profit is helping the Samuel Adams brewer absorb some of those cost increases. Boston Beer expects tariffs to add about $15 million to $20 million in costs for the full year. Previously, it modeled tariff costs of $20 million to $30 million. Expect the company to raise prices by 1% to 2% to offset some of the costs as well, executives said. Boston Beer did see tariffs negatively affect its gross margin toward the end of the second quarter, but it benefited from improved brewery efficiencies. For the second quarter, the company reported profits of $5.45 per share on revenue of $625 million, versus estimates for earnings of $4.00 per share on $588 million, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. "Right now, I think we're very happy with the performance," Boston Beer CEO Michael Spillane said on the earnings call. "Not only that, but that's allowed us to offset some of the tariffs that we've seen so far." The Boston Beer Company (SAM) continues to feel the effects of President Trump's tariffs, but a strong quarter of sales and profit is helping the Samuel Adams brewer absorb some of those cost increases. Boston Beer expects tariffs to add about $15 million to $20 million in costs for the full year. Previously, it modeled tariff costs of $20 million to $30 million. Expect the company to raise prices by 1% to 2% to offset some of the costs as well, executives said. Boston Beer did see tariffs negatively affect its gross margin toward the end of the second quarter, but it benefited from improved brewery efficiencies. For the second quarter, the company reported profits of $5.45 per share on revenue of $625 million, versus estimates for earnings of $4.00 per share on $588 million, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. "Right now, I think we're very happy with the performance," Boston Beer CEO Michael Spillane said on the earnings call. "Not only that, but that's allowed us to offset some of the tariffs that we've seen so far." Some headlines from Trump on tariffs this morning Via Bloomberg: Via Bloomberg: Trump: US will sell 'so much' beef to Australia President Trump said on Thursday that the US will sell "so much" beef to Australia, following Canberra relaxing import restrictions. Trump added that other countries who had refused US beef products were on notice. Reuters reports: Read more here. President Trump said on Thursday that the US will sell "so much" beef to Australia, following Canberra relaxing import restrictions. Trump added that other countries who had refused US beef products were on notice. Reuters reports: Read more here. World's No. 3 automaker Kia takes $570M tariff hit in Q2 Reuters reports: Read more here. Reuters reports: Read more here. Puma shares dive after warning of full-year loss, US tariff impact Puma ( shares fell 17% on Friday after the sportswear brand said that it now expects an annual loss due to a decline in sales and US tariffs denting profit. Reuters reports: Read more here. Puma ( shares fell 17% on Friday after the sportswear brand said that it now expects an annual loss due to a decline in sales and US tariffs denting profit. Reuters reports: Read more here. LG Energy Solution warns of slowing EV battery demand due to U.S. tariffs, policy headwinds Reuters reports: South Korean battery firm LG Energy ( Solution warned on Friday of a further slowdown in demand by early next year due to U.S. tariffs and policy uncertainties after it posted a quarterly profit jump. Its major customers Tesla (TSLA) and General Motors (GM) warned of fallout from U.S. tariffs and legislation that will end federal subsidies for EV purchases on September 30. "US tariffs and an early end to EV subsidies will put a burden on automakers, potentially leading to vehicle price increases and a slowdown in EV growth in North America," CFO Lee Chang-sil said during a conference call. Read more here. Reuters reports: South Korean battery firm LG Energy ( Solution warned on Friday of a further slowdown in demand by early next year due to U.S. tariffs and policy uncertainties after it posted a quarterly profit jump. Its major customers Tesla (TSLA) and General Motors (GM) warned of fallout from U.S. tariffs and legislation that will end federal subsidies for EV purchases on September 30. "US tariffs and an early end to EV subsidies will put a burden on automakers, potentially leading to vehicle price increases and a slowdown in EV growth in North America," CFO Lee Chang-sil said during a conference call. Read more here. Japan, US differ on how trade-deal profits will be split Japan said Friday that profits from the $550 billion investment deal with the US will be shared based on how much each side contributes. A government official suggested the US will also put in significant funds, but details of the scheme remain unclear. The White House had announced earlier in the week that the US would retain 90% of the profits from the $550 billion US-bound investment and loans that Japan would exchange in return for reduced tariffs on auto and other exports to the US. This would mean that returns would be split 10% for Japan and 90% for the US, according to the White House official, and that it would be "based on the respective levels of contribution and risk borne by each side." Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Japan said Friday that profits from the $550 billion investment deal with the US will be shared based on how much each side contributes. A government official suggested the US will also put in significant funds, but details of the scheme remain unclear. The White House had announced earlier in the week that the US would retain 90% of the profits from the $550 billion US-bound investment and loans that Japan would exchange in return for reduced tariffs on auto and other exports to the US. This would mean that returns would be split 10% for Japan and 90% for the US, according to the White House official, and that it would be "based on the respective levels of contribution and risk borne by each side." Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. US business activity rises; tariffs fuel inflation concerns US business activity rose in July, but companies increased the prices for goods and services, supporting the view from economists that inflation will accelerate in the second half of 2025 and it will mainly be due to tariffs on imports. Reuters reports: Read more here. US business activity rose in July, but companies increased the prices for goods and services, supporting the view from economists that inflation will accelerate in the second half of 2025 and it will mainly be due to tariffs on imports. Reuters reports: Read more here. It sounds like Trump now has a new minimum tariff rate: 15% President Trump set a new rhetorical floor for tariffs on Wednesday night in comments in a shift that raises the president's baseline rate from 10%. Yahoo Finance's Ben Werschkul writes: Read more here. President Trump set a new rhetorical floor for tariffs on Wednesday night in comments in a shift that raises the president's baseline rate from 10%. Yahoo Finance's Ben Werschkul writes: Read more here. Keurig Dr. Pepper brewer sales volume drops 22%, CEO says tariff impacts 'will become prominent' Keurig Dr. Pepper CEO Tim Cofer said that tariffs are putting additional pressure on the company in an earnings call Thursday, especially when it comes to its coffee business, which KDP expects to be "subdued" for the remainder of the year. "Commodity inflation will build as we roll into the back half and we roll into our higher cost hedges on green coffee," Cofer said. "The tariff impacts will become prominent. And we all know that tariff situation is a bit fluid." Keurig is one of the biggest coffee importers in the US, along with Starbucks (SBUX) and Nestle (NSRGY). The US sources most of its coffee from Brazil, which is set to face 50% tariffs on its products on Aug. 1, and Colombia, which faces a tariff rate of 10%. In Keurig's coffee business, appliance volume decreased 22.6% during the quarter, reflecting impacts of retailer inventory management, and K-Cup pod volume decreased 3.7%, reflecting category elasticity in response to price increases, the company reported. "Our retail partners will likely continue to manage their inventory levels tightly, in particular on brewers," Cofer commented. "And then finally, you know we did a round of pricing at the beginning of the year. We've announced another round of pricing that will take effect next month, and we'll need to closely monitor how that elasticity evolves." Read more about Keurig earnings here. Keurig Dr. Pepper CEO Tim Cofer said that tariffs are putting additional pressure on the company in an earnings call Thursday, especially when it comes to its coffee business, which KDP expects to be "subdued" for the remainder of the year. "Commodity inflation will build as we roll into the back half and we roll into our higher cost hedges on green coffee," Cofer said. "The tariff impacts will become prominent. And we all know that tariff situation is a bit fluid." Keurig is one of the biggest coffee importers in the US, along with Starbucks (SBUX) and Nestle (NSRGY). The US sources most of its coffee from Brazil, which is set to face 50% tariffs on its products on Aug. 1, and Colombia, which faces a tariff rate of 10%. In Keurig's coffee business, appliance volume decreased 22.6% during the quarter, reflecting impacts of retailer inventory management, and K-Cup pod volume decreased 3.7%, reflecting category elasticity in response to price increases, the company reported. "Our retail partners will likely continue to manage their inventory levels tightly, in particular on brewers," Cofer commented. "And then finally, you know we did a round of pricing at the beginning of the year. We've announced another round of pricing that will take effect next month, and we'll need to closely monitor how that elasticity evolves." Read more about Keurig earnings here. The EU's Trump insurance As my colleague detailed below, EU member states voted to impose tariffs on over $100 billion of US goods from Aug. 7. The Financial Times reported that this move that allows the bloc to impose the levies quickly at any point in the future should its trade relationship with the US take a turn for the worse. From the report: Read more here (subscription required). As my colleague detailed below, EU member states voted to impose tariffs on over $100 billion of US goods from Aug. 7. The Financial Times reported that this move that allows the bloc to impose the levies quickly at any point in the future should its trade relationship with the US take a turn for the worse. From the report: Read more here (subscription required). Europe approves $100B-plus tariff backup plan A report in the Wall Street Journal on Thursday said that the European Union has now approved its retaliatory tariff package on US goods that could start in August if no trade agreement is reached. The EU announced on Wednesday that it will hit the US with 30% tariffs on over $100 billion worth of goods in the event that no deal is made and if President Trump decides to follow through with his threat to impose that rate on most of the bloc's exports after Aug. 1. The US exports, which would include goods such as Boeing (BA) aircraft, US-made cars and bourbon whiskey would all face heavy tariffs that match Trump's 30% threat. The approval of the package comes despite the growing optimism that the US and EU will reach a deal that would put baseline tariffs on the bloc at 15%, matching the level the US applied to Japan. The EU is keen to reach a deal with the US but as a cautionary measure has approved 30% tariffs if a deal is not made. A report in the Wall Street Journal on Thursday said that the European Union has now approved its retaliatory tariff package on US goods that could start in August if no trade agreement is reached. The EU announced on Wednesday that it will hit the US with 30% tariffs on over $100 billion worth of goods in the event that no deal is made and if President Trump decides to follow through with his threat to impose that rate on most of the bloc's exports after Aug. 1. The US exports, which would include goods such as Boeing (BA) aircraft, US-made cars and bourbon whiskey would all face heavy tariffs that match Trump's 30% threat. The approval of the package comes despite the growing optimism that the US and EU will reach a deal that would put baseline tariffs on the bloc at 15%, matching the level the US applied to Japan. The EU is keen to reach a deal with the US but as a cautionary measure has approved 30% tariffs if a deal is not made. Trump tariffs wreaking havoc in Brazil's citrus belt Reuters reports: Read more here. Reuters reports: Read more here. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

I Asked ChatGPT To Give Me the ‘Cheat Code' for Making the Most of My Money: Here's What It Said
I Asked ChatGPT To Give Me the ‘Cheat Code' for Making the Most of My Money: Here's What It Said

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I Asked ChatGPT To Give Me the ‘Cheat Code' for Making the Most of My Money: Here's What It Said

If managing money feels like trying to beat a boss level with no walkthrough, you're not alone. Many people work hard but still feel stuck in the same place financially. So the idea of a 'cheat code,' like having a simple, strategic way to make money work harder, feels tempting. Read Next: Explore More: GOBankingRates asked ChatGPT to outline the most effective habits and tools that can stretch, grow and protect income over time. The goal is not to get rich overnight, but to play smarter with what you earn. So this is the cheat code for making the most of your money, according to ChatGPT. Also see seven tricks to make the most of your bank accounts. Automate Everything You Can ChatGPT put automation at the top of the list. That means setting up automatic transfers into a high-yield savings account, scheduling bill payments and directing part of each paycheck to investments. Services like Wealthfront and Betterment help users auto-invest based on risk preferences. The same goes for investing apps like Fidelity and Vanguard, which let you schedule regular deposits into index funds. Using budgeting tools can help you track spending and catch leaks before they drain your account. 'Automating your money removes emotion and inconsistency from your finances. It's the closest thing to passive self-discipline,' ChatGPT explained. Check Out: Live Below Your Means, Aggressively Living below your means isn't about being cheap; it's about being strategic. ChatGPT suggested tracking every dollar, capping lifestyle creep and viewing minimalist living as a strength. The less you spend, the faster you build a surplus. To do so, it recommended learning how to budget. 'You don't need to track pennies to win at budgeting. What matters most is having a repeatable system,' ChatGPT said. It recommended two simple methods: The 50/30/20 rule: 50% for needs, 30% for wants, 20% for savings or debt Zero-based budgeting: Assign every dollar a job. Apps like YNAB and Goodbudget can help users stick to a plan without getting overwhelmed. Invest Early — Even With Small Amounts Compound interest is the real cheat code. ChatGPT explained that investing early, even small amounts, can grow into a large sum over time. Consistency is key. Put money into broad-market exchange-traded funds (ETFs) or index funds, use tax-advantaged accounts like a Roth IRA, and always reinvest dividends. The sooner you start, the more time your money has to multiply, and history shows this approach beats trying to time the market. Starting small is often better than waiting for the 'right' time. 'Time beats timing. The earlier you invest, the more compound interest works in your favor,' according to ChatGPT. Build an Emergency Buffer One overlooked cheat code is having money set aside for surprises. Surprises happen, and an emergency fund is your financial firewall. ChatGPT recommended saving three to six months' worth of expenses in a high-yield savings account. This cash cushion keeps you from dipping into investments or racking up debt when life throws a curveball. Having this safety net reduces stress and prevents financial setbacks from turning into disasters. Learn How To Maximize Credit, Without Debt Credit isn't just about borrowing. It affects interest rates, housing applications and even job offers. 'Treat your credit score like a tool, not a trap. Use it to access better terms, not unnecessary purchases,' ChatGPT said. That includes paying bills on time, keeping utilization under 30% and regularly reviewing your free credit reports. Strategic use of cash-back cards can also put money back into your pocket, if paid off monthly. Debt with high interest, like credit cards, can quietly eat away at your wealth. If you currently have debt, ChatGPT suggested using either the avalanche method (tackle the debt with the highest interest rate first) or the snowball method (pay off the smallest balances for quick wins). Refinancing or consolidating debt can also help if your credit score allows. Don't Just Save — Earn More Strategically Cutting expenses has limits. Earning more often delivers faster growth. ChatGPT highlighted a growing trend: 'Monetizing skills online, through freelancing, content creation, or digital products, is more accessible than ever.' Instead of chasing endless gigs, ChatGPT said to focus on building high-value skills — think coding, digital marketing or sales. With these skills, you can negotiate raises or land better jobs, which is often more sustainable than juggling multiple side hustles. Platforms like Fiverr, Upwork and Teachable let users build scalable side income, turning time or knowledge into long-term assets. It's not passive at first, but it can become hands-off with the right systems. More From GOBankingRates Mark Cuban Warns of 'Red Rural Recession' -- 4 States That Could Get Hit Hard 6 Popular SUVs That Aren't Worth the Cost -- and 6 Affordable Alternatives 7 Things You'll Be Happy You Downsized in Retirement This article originally appeared on I Asked ChatGPT To Give Me the 'Cheat Code' for Making the Most of My Money: Here's What It Said Solve the daily Crossword

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