how did you pay the bills during school? Hubby freaking out!

Luv2BAnurse · Jul 27, 2005

I worked as a CNA while in school, PRN. That way, weekends, between semesters, etc...I would work MORE hours. Also, I became the Queen of the Kitchen, making inexpensive dishes for meals. Hey, add cheese to it, it becomes edible.

Good Luck.

SnowymtnRN · Jul 27, 2005

borrow, borrow, borrow. Go see your financial counselor at school, explain your debt, you have a child, etc...and what funds are available for you. That sort of thing. I did double shifts on the weekends to go to school, we LIVED on school loans and cheap meals. Yes things got behind at times and it was TOUGH. But we managed and got thru it. We also got local scholorships that helped too. i don't know about your program, but ours wasn't set up so that we could work during the week. And then there's study time. I'd just keep paying off debts, etc...and refinance your house if you have to for lower payments. Trade your car in for a cheaper one, that sort of thing.

Good luck, you can DO it!

Dawn

redwinggirlie · Jul 27, 2005

Low percentage rate student loans and working and saving a lot before school started.

I also got rid of my cell phone, cable and rarely went out to eat (more often if someone else was buying!). I survived without all these things while in school. I got used to it and didn't have time to need them anyhow. Best of luck to you!

z's playa · Jul 27, 2005

Start stripping.

Just kidding.

I know its hard . :icon_hug: I hope you all make out ok. I agree with the cheese thing though.

Add cheese it turns into enchiladas!

Z

Boston-RN, RN · Jul 27, 2005

I'm in the same boat, minus children. I am taking out supplemental student loans. I will still be working p/t only but I used to be the breadwinner.....

Loans, Loans and more loans but it will be worth it in the end (I hope :)

happydz · Jul 27, 2005

You could get an education one loan from bank one. You just have to show proof that you are enrolled in a school and they will lend money for education, even living expenses.

It's a private loan so you have more control over it without having to go through the school.

Also, don't forget that your financial situation is not permanent. It's not going to be this stressful forever. There is light at the end of the tunnel! :)

sandman1914 · Jul 27, 2005

I am going to start my actual nursing classes in September 2006, and my husband is freaking out (to put it mildly). He knew this was coming, and now that I have been able to find out what semester for sure, he is in a panic about money.
We have been working hard to pay things off before then, because we are anticipating that I am either not going to be able to work or only work reduced hours, but we will still have car payments, mortgage, etc. and not all our other debt will be paid off.
Were any of you able to creatively finance the gap in pay while in school? I am willing to go to school part time and work full time if needed or vice versa, but we both agree the sooner I can get done and bring more income in the better. I plan on getting a Stafford Loan and any other aid the school can offer, but we are afraid that it still won't be enough to keep us afloat.
He already works 2 jobs, while I work full time and also attend classes. We also have a 13 year old that someone needs to be keeping an eye on.
There is not much more we can cut down on, the only luxury items we have are basic cable and DSL for the internet (mostly because I need that for school). Everything else goes to pay down debt. Any ideas?
Thanks for any advice!

It sounds as if you are a non-traditional student. Just ensure you fill out your FAFSA EARLY every January and you should qualify for Federal grants. This may not help you immediately, but it should for the next academic year.

grimmy, RN · Jul 27, 2005

i agree with the "borrow" idea. if you wind up working in a rural community, or in a hospital that serves a rural community, your loan can be paid off by the gov't. i know, because this is what i did. it is scary to be in debt, and i can sympathize with your husband, but to make this sacrifice now will be to your gain later, and frankly, it's worth it. i did it all by myself, and i was scared out of my wits, living on savings, had a car payment, etc. you can do it.

Roseyposey · Jul 27, 2005

Sounds like you are working hard to pay off as much as you can. Don't wait until next September to cut back, though. Drop cable tv now, quit eating out (or at least reduce to special occasions), review your telephone bill and cell bill - my husband and I shaved a significant amount off of each recently without too much sacrifice - start loading up on nonperishables when they are on sale for a good price, etc. Review your bills and figure out how much working costs you - nicer clothes, dry cleaning, etc., there may be some expenses that will stop when you quit working full time. Also, start looking for creative ways to finance your education; in short, find a way for someone else to pay for it. It took me a lot of legwork, but all my school expenses will be paid for through scholarships, a state program, and a very reasonable termed forgiveness loan - and I don't qualify for any traditional aid due to my husband's income. Good luck; check the boards often, people are always giving hints and tips for saving money and cheap dinners.

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Jul 27, 2005

I am going to start my actual nursing classes in September 2006, and my husband is freaking out (to put it mildly). He knew this was coming, and now that I have been able to find out what semester for sure, he is in a panic about money.
We have been working hard to pay things off before then, because we are anticipating that I am either not going to be able to work or only work reduced hours, but we will still have car payments, mortgage, etc. and not all our other debt will be paid off.
Were any of you able to creatively finance the gap in pay while in school? I am willing to go to school part time and work full time if needed or vice versa, but we both agree the sooner I can get done and bring more income in the better. I plan on getting a Stafford Loan and any other aid the school can offer, but we are afraid that it still won't be enough to keep us afloat.
He already works 2 jobs, while I work full time and also attend classes. We also have a 13 year old that someone needs to be keeping an eye on.
There is not much more we can cut down on, the only luxury items we have are basic cable and DSL for the internet (mostly because I need that for school). Everything else goes to pay down debt. Any ideas?
Thanks for any advice!

I like you and many am in the same boat. I took out all student loans and work as well. Barely making it but I don't have children like you. I know it will be sacrifice for a few years but looking forward to the payback. :)

SusanJean · Jul 27, 2005

School loans.

I decided to self-finance my education for a number of reasons, one being the getting my husband to write a ck for anything is stressful. My school has made this a painless process. My state also offers a loan forgiveness program for underserved areas, so I have applied for that. (Not that it will come close to covering my loans - have a partial PA loan from last year - would have covered a yr of NS tuition.)

(We drive old cars, no payments but have both kids this yr in private school.)

Also have a GPA scholarship which was awarded after I applied to the college - I had no knowledge of this before I applied. Saves a ton.

Since we have 2 elem. age children, I only work 2 weekend shifts (recently aquired job) when dh is home, and this is to save money for a mission trip class next year.

Some fellow classmates work in hospitals and have partial to full tuition reimbursement - not sure what criteria are... but not all are RN's (working on BSN's).

I'm thinking of putting collection boxes in all of the gas stations :chuckle :chuckle .