Financially Worried About Nursing School

TTM01 · May 11, 2005

Hi Missy,

I'm 34, married (Sept. 8, 2001) , no kids yet. I am in the same boat as you. I have been going to school now for almost a year. I have 1 more year left before I can apply to nursing program. It has been a huge sacrifice to not be able to go out to dinner every weekend. Buy shoes and new purses, which I love. Ummmmm lets see, major issue is to not be able to go on mini two day get away vacations my husband I use to like to do. You just have to set your mind towards your goal. I'm sure your husband and you have talked it over. Make sure you make him and your school your top priority. NEVER make your husband feel bad. Make sure his needs are met as well as yours. If you complain about not having the money because you are in school, it will be horrible.You'll find that the little things mean the most, not the material things. We still have dinners, we just make them at home. They are much healthier anyway. We rent movies maybe once a month. Luckily our relationship is a strong one, so the material things are not missed as much. We always knew that my money was the play money anyway. We still have extra each month, we just don't waste it any longer. You will be fine, just be thankful you don't have children yet. That would be a huge sacrifice.

Besides this is only a minor step back. Trust me you will enjoy it after you are all done. I know I will.:)

Tessa~

I am 29 years old, married with no kids, currently making 60k in a business career and I am quitting my job to go full time as a nursing student in August. I am cutting our income in half and I am really worried about money. My husband makes good money and we do not own a home but that does not mean I have bills. I know I have to change and sacrafice my ways. No more spending $120 every weekend to go out, no more buying cases of wine every month for $150, no more clothes shopping, etc.
I am nervous because gas and food prices are so outrageous and worried I will not be financially secure to do this and this has to be the most important thing in my life right now...I have worked on getting into nursing school for about a 1 and a half.
Anyone experienced this and how did they handle it, any suggestions, ideas??
Thank you,
Missy

Fun2, BSN, RN · May 11, 2005

We do have children, yet I understand your situation.

You can still pamper yourself, just limit it. Instead of going out every weekend, go out every other weekend, or once a month, etc.... You don't need a new purse for every outfit, if you have one that is the same color at home, etc.

Just make sure your bills are paid, you have plenty to eat, and have enough gas money to stretch it out. Any left over, put at least half in a savings account, and the other half can be play money..even if you do have to wait until it builds up so that it's enough to go out with! :)

sheri_u2 · May 11, 2005

I am 29 years old, married with no kids, currently making 60k in a business career and I am quitting my job to go full time as a nursing student in August. I am cutting our income in half and I am really worried about money. My husband makes good money and we do not own a home but that does not mean I have bills. I know I have to change and sacrafice my ways. No more spending $120 every weekend to go out, no more buying cases of wine every month for $150, no more clothes shopping, etc.
I am nervous because gas and food prices are so outrageous and worried I will not be financially secure to do this and this has to be the most important thing in my life right now...I have worked on getting into nursing school for about a 1 and a half.
Anyone experienced this and how did they handle it, any suggestions, ideas??
Thank you,
Missy

I'm around your age, and in your boat and terrified. Lots of credit card, school loan, car expenses. I guess it's true, the more you make, the more you spend. If you ask me, your situation sounds easy............Bank your income all summer and live off only your husbands. Then you'll have enough for the upcoming school year while your not working. My fiance and I are doing just that on a WHOLE lot less than your combined income :chuckle . Expect to get a little in debt while in the program, and deal with it afterward. Otherwise you'll drive yourself crazy in fights and panic about money. Besides, from what I understand, there won't be any going out anymore once we're in the full time program anyway PS where is New Bedford?? I used to live in Westford and work in Marlborough.

Princess74 · May 11, 2005

It is pretty scary huh. I'm 30 and divorced. I am going to have to quit my full time job that I barely get by on now and find a part time job because my practicle nursing class starts in August. I moved back in to my parents house a little over a year ago when my ex an I split and since then my dad has passed away so I am trying to help my mom out too. I don't know how I am going to make it on some (most likely) crappy part time job. I'll be lucky to be able to pay my bills. I worry about not being able to see my boyfriend enough because he works two jobs already and now with me going to school full time and having to work 20-30 hours a week too. I refuse to give up going out with him on Saturday nights, thats the only night we can both stay out late due to not having to go to work until 11am on Sundays. And... I still have to find time, lots of time to study. Looks like I wont be getting much sleep for the next year. Yep, I'm stressed out big time. :uhoh3:

mrod, LPN, LVN · May 11, 2005

I'm around your age, and in your boat and terrified. Lots of credit card, school loan, car expenses. I guess it's true, the more you make, the more you spend. If you ask me, your situation sounds easy............Bank your income all summer and live off only your husbands. Then you'll have enough for the upcoming school year while your not working. My fiance and I are doing just that on a WHOLE lot less than your combined income :chuckle . Expect to get a little in debt while in the program, and deal with it afterward. Otherwise you'll drive yourself crazy in fights and panic about money. Besides, from what I understand, there won't be any going out anymore once we're in the full time program anyway PS where is New Bedford?? I used to live in Westford and work in Marlborough.

I live in the north end of New Bedford, near Acushnet. I grew up in NB and I am planning on moving out west once I graduate from school and my husband graduates. We are both going back for second degrees...crazy huh?

I figured I it would be like when my husband and I moved in with each other the first time. I think we made combined like 55k, so I told my husband it is back to drinking Boons! Hee-hee :rotfl:

Thanks for the advice..it does help that I am not the only crazy, nervous, asking myself what am I doing, following my dreams- girl there is out there.

Missy