[TealOrca12]

I know there is a financial specific thread, but it seems specific to treatment related finances and my financial worries are more general - hopefully this is an appropriate place to post this topic.

I have been through many hurdles the past few years, and have overcome a lot of adversity. I'm really proud of where I've gone with my life, and what I've achieved. But the one thing that has really alluded me is financial stability. I have a buttload of student loan debt (we're talking for undergrad and graduate school- doctoral no less), and some credit card debt that is difficult to keep up with (not much compared to a lot of people, but one more thing to worry about). My month to month living expenses aren't bad (rent is affordable considering where I live, I only have car insurance and credit card bills other than that, because my utilities are included with my rent), but the problem is I only work part-time. I seek out work relentlessly, trying to find something full-time with benefits (yes, I lack health insurance...another issue entirely). My partner helps me out by providing groceries/paying for meals and occasionally loaning me gas money, but I do pretty okay with that too. I just feel like so many things are going well - I'm so close to achieving my goal of finishing a doctorate, I have a loving partner/healthy relationship, many, many good close friends, parents I love, I live in a beautiful area that fulfills my value of being close to nature and being active...yet the career stuff is still "in progress," thus my financial situation = crap.

I'm sure I am not the only one here with this problem. In this day and age, with the economy the way it is, many educated people are struggling to make ends meet. I try to be happy for/grateful for what I do have, make the most of my life, and go without as much as possible. It is just really hard sometimes when I see friends and colleagues buying cars, houses, getting married, having kids, and going on these amazing vacations. I know at the end of the day, most of these things are material things and don't matter --- but that doesn't always make me feel better...and honestly, I just wish I could stay on top of my current debt and make a living! I've worked so f'n hard to get to this point, why is it so hard to find a meaningful job? Not to mention, part of me feels I will never have what other people have because my credit will be ruined forever...it sucks. I hope other people can relate to this...i just keep applying for jobs and keep doing my best to find the right one for me....

[Rosie23]

I can relate. I am a 49 year old widow. I spent years caring for my husband and his medical bills were insane. He passed away almost 3 years ago.

Last year I was finally pushed to file a Chapter 13. After the court takes their share. I live on $1,200.00 a month. Those funds have to cover all the day to day expenses. food, clothing, medical, utilities, etc. It isn't much, but I manage.

I don't get vacations, but I haven't been on one in years anyway. Somehow you find a way to get it all taken care of.

It won't be like this forever. Try not to focus on getting through any days financially except the one you are in.
Try no to compare yourself to your peers. That is a bad trap and it doesn't stop here. As time goes by your goals can become way loftier than they should be.
Other people's lives many times are not what they appear to be. If your friends are in debt up to their ears, then not one bit of what they have is worth it.

Most of the time "Less is More".

[TealOrca12]

Thank you for your kind words, Rosie. I also love your wolf avatar

Feeling a little better today. I know this won't last forever, and I have to remember to cherish the happy things I do have!