Car, School, Debt?

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Hello, I'm a new grad LVN in debt for $17k of loans. I'm driving a beat up, gas guzzler, truck with problems and I want to get a smaller, reliable car to commute to work. However, at the same time I want to pay off my loans and go back to school to pursue to RN as soon as I can. What is the best thing I should do to get things straight in my life?

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I'm in the same boat. Currently working but still in school, paying off loans and racking up more as I go. Can't afford car insurance so no car. My best advice is to make a solid budget and savings plan, see if you can make any money on the side.

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Specializes in ICU.

Personally, for me it would be important to have decent transportation. Broke-down on the side of the road just isn't my thing. I don't live in an area with a lot of choices for public transportation. Hopefully you can find a job that will assist with the LPN to RN tuition. I find it absolutely ridiculous that tuition costs is so high. So many people at my hospital are filling out papers, trying desperately to get their tuition re-payment delayed. So sad. My house costs less than some owe in student loans. If you live in an area where you need a decent automobile, get the auto.

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I have to commute 18 miles a day with heavy traffic living in LA of California. The fact I'm only getting like 16 mpg in my truck is a pain and frequently have to refill in gas. I'm leaning towards getting a better car but, at the same time I'm scared that if I don't go back to school to RN ASAP, I would lose my drive to start again.

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I have to commute 18 miles a day with heavy traffic living in LA of California. The fact I'm only getting like 16 mpg in my truck is a pain and frequently have to refill in gas. I'm leaning towards getting a better car but, at the same time I'm scared that if I don't go back to school to RN ASAP, I would lose my drive to start again.

If you go back to school you can always defer your school loan payments to start until you finish school. I feel you. I drive a beat up car too but it's hanging in there. Can you sell your truck for a decent price and maybe get a used small car meanwhile?

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If you go back to school you can always defer your school loan payments to start until you finish school. I feel you. I drive a beat up car too but it's hanging in there. Can you sell your truck for a decent price and maybe get a used small car meanwhile?

I don't plan on defering my loan payments just because, I don't like the feeling of being in debt any further. Yeah, I'm planning on selling my truck now for a used small car such as a little Mazda Miata aha. If everything goes out as planned, within 3 years or so I would be debt free off student loans and saved up enough money to go back to school. Maybe, I'm just doubting myself and I feel like I'm rushing myself to pursue my dreams to become an RN because, I know people who become to comfortable staying as an LVN. I think with enough composure, I can get through this. :yes:

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I ended up deferring my payments since I'm doing pre reqs for the lvn to rn bridge. I don't like that debt feeling either but I pay what I can here and there without having to worry about the montly payment. Yes so many people get comfortable as lvns which is per fectly fine. My 1 year break turned into 2. We can do this!!

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Very encouraging words,

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Is it possible to ditch the vehicle and use public transport? It's not ideal for travel time but between insurance, gas, and service to keep it running, that's going to rack up a large bill. Versus the amount you'd pay for a monthly bus pass? I think If you can sacrifice the car, you'll have an easier time managing your debt and being able to take your career to the next level much sooner.

Talk with someone who can help you set a budget as well. If this is something you really want, get it together and do what it takes. Good luck :)

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Specializes in Critical Care, Med-Surg, Psych, Geri, LTC, Tele,.

Buy a bucket car that's good on gas, like an old civic or focus. I think u could get one for $1500 or so.

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With the employment situation being what it is in your area, you will most likely have "time" to kill while waiting to get accepted into a program. Make a reliable car your first priority. RN school will be there after you get your car and you will be able to get to school in a reliable car.

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What happens when you get to clinical and you are on public transport? That won't fly in many nursing programs.

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