TOTALLY BUMMED

[Deme75]

I'm totally bummed. All I've wanted to do was advice as a nurse since stepping foot into this field. I'm currently and have been for a while a LPN. I've gone back and forth to school to get my degree as a RN but have hit one stumbling block after the next and in the meantime have done nothing but tallied up an awesome amount of money in loans and other schooling. Not able to pay any of them at the moment because I struggling paying my regular bills. Ugh! I'm so frustrated and aggravated I don't know what to do or which way to turn. Any advice out there would be great.

Signed,

strugglingRN

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

In the words of Warren Buffett, one of the greatest financial advisors ever - "The most important thing to do if you find yourself in a hole is to stop digging". It would seem that you have already realized the futility of what you have been doing & decided you need to take a new direction.

My advice? Don't incur any more debt and put together and focus on getting your finances straightened out FIRST. As we all know, current law prevents any sort of student loan remedy through bankruptcy. You will need to work with the lenders to figure out how to stabilize your situation through a debt repayment plan. At the same time, try to maximize your earning potential as an LPN. Maybe pick up extra shifts or cross-train to an ancillary/administrative role in which your clinical expertise and experience is an asset.

Best of luck to you as you move toward a better place - ((((hugs))))

[Deme75]

Thank you. I am working on my getting my finances straightened out and finding a second job.

[NurseHotFlash]

Hang in there! Be sure that your total debt each month is a little bit less than the month before. Set a goal as to how much you can pay down debt each time you get a check. Use coupons, and be sure everything you buy is a necessity. You can do this!