Nick Lachey Says 98 Degrees Was ‘So Frugal’ They’d Take the Subway at 4 a.m. Rather Than Split Cab Fare

Nick Lachey, a member of the popular band 98 Degrees, recently shared insights into the group’s thrifty habits during their early days in New York City. Despite their rising success, Lachey revealed that the band members were incredibly frugal, opting to take the subway in the early hours of the morning instead of splitting cab fares. This revelation came to light during an episode of the Richer Lives by SoFi podcast, where Lachey reflected on their money-saving strategies.

Lachey reminisced about their time recording their first album in New York City, highlighting their commitment to saving money wherever possible. He described how, after late-night studio sessions that often extended until the early hours of the morning, the band would choose to stand in the subway station at 4 a.m. instead of sharing a cab to Brooklyn. Despite the inconvenience of waiting in the cold for the train, the band stuck to their frugal ethos. Lachey acknowledged that their upbringing, as “four kids from Ohio who didn’t grow up with a lot,” influenced their cautious approach to finances.

The decision to prioritise saving money over convenience was a reflection of the band’s humility and grounded nature, as Lachey pointed out. Looking back on those days, he recognised the need for a balance between frugality and practicality, suggesting that standing in a subway station in the early hours might not have been the wisest choice. With the benefit of hindsight, Lachey admitted to feeling grateful for the learning experience that shaped his financial mindset.

In addition to discussing their early frugality, Lachey also touched upon his emotional attachment to the MTV reality series Newlyweds: Nick & Jessica, which documented his marriage to Jessica Simpson. Sharing insights into the show’s production, Lachey revealed his defiance of instructions not to engage with the crew, emphasising the importance of building relationships with them. This connection with the crew grew so strong that Lachey admitted to shedding tears when the show came to an end, underscoring the meaningful impact it had on his life.

The raw emotions displayed by Lachey when reminiscing about the end of Newlyweds highlighted the personal significance the show held for him. Despite initial reservations about breaking the rules regarding crew interaction, Lachey’s decision to forge genuine connections with the crew members added depth and authenticity to the filming experience. The closure of the show in 2005 coincided with the end of Lachey and Simpson’s marriage, marking a poignant period of transition in both their personal lives and careers.

Nick Lachey’s openness about the financial challenges and emotional connections he experienced during his time with 98 Degrees and on Newlyweds offers fans a unique glimpse into his journey from humble beginnings to international fame. By sharing these candid reflections, Lachey provides a relatable perspective on the complexities of navigating success, relationships, and personal growth in the spotlight. As he continues to evolve and pursue new ventures, Lachey’s experiences serve as a reminder of the enduring values of thriftiness, authenticity, and resilience in the face of change.