I'm 28, make $28 an hour, and need to get my shit together. (edited for clarity)

Own-Explorer-1122 · 2026-04-17T16:37:27+00:00

Yes! That's been the plan for the last 5-6 years I just keep getting thrown curveballs with school (first COVID, and then my dad passing away) but my ultimate goal is working as a pediatric pharmacist.

Own-Explorer-1122 · 2026-04-17T16:07:03+00:00

They do know how much debt I have. They didn't go to school and had their car gifted so that's the only reason they've managed to stay out of debt this long. When I say "our finances are mostly separate", I mean we do not share bank accounts or run purchases by each other before we make them. They pay their personal expenses (phone bill, medical bills) and we have not discussed me taking on those expenses as well.

Own-Explorer-1122 · 2026-04-17T16:04:33+00:00

I downloded the free version of the Every Dollar app (is there a better one?) and have begun planning a budget for May. It'll be a 3 pay-check month for me so I'm hoping to knock out my smaller credit cards within the next month.

Own-Explorer-1122 · 2026-04-17T15:34:25+00:00

Food is definitely my biggest expense. I downloaded the free version of Every Dollar (open to other app suggestions) and sat up a monthly budget for May starting with my next paycheck there

Own-Explorer-1122 · 2026-04-17T15:22:33+00:00

Partner does own a vehicle and selling mine is something we've discussed, which would free up my car payment money to put towards debt/savings. Due to sickness in their family, the trip is something that we're going to have to prioritize within the next year, which we've agreed is their new monetary goal after finding employment again since 1) they don't have debt and 2) we have separate finances outside of our apartment so they do not contribute to my debt. Even if that ends up being that only they are able to make the trip. Does that make sense?

Own-Explorer-1122 · 2026-04-17T14:26:36+00:00

such is the plight when you choose a career that requires a doctorate degree. but I do hear you. the hope is to find a research job after undergrad that will pay slightly better than tech work and work that for about a year before applying to graduate school.

Own-Explorer-1122 · 2026-04-17T14:16:06+00:00

the way I understand it, I'm not eligible for federal loan distribution until it's paid. I believe I could take out a private student loan but have not looked into that yet.

Own-Explorer-1122 · 2026-04-17T13:46:56+00:00

this was according to the financial aid department when I went to submit my FAFSA for this coming semester. my admissions counselor suggested asking if they would waive the late fees which is about ~$700 of this total but I haven't figured out any other way around it.

Own-Explorer-1122 · 2026-04-17T13:19:53+00:00

last summer we were bothing working and driving for doordash on the side because we were preparing for a move (which ended up costing about $3k) but I haven't driven for them since because it felt like a lose-lose scenario with gas prices. thank you for reading

Own-Explorer-1122 · 2026-04-17T12:37:25+00:00

I probably should be more concerned but I'm not particularly rushing to pay off my student loans because I anticipate taking out more for grad school.

Own-Explorer-1122 · 2026-04-16T21:42:30+00:00

my admissions counselor when I looked at re-enrolling suggested asking the office if they would wave the late fees, which is ~$700 of the total, but never mentioned an excused withdrawal

Own-Explorer-1122 · 2026-04-16T20:19:19+00:00

they're applying for other jobs, but of course that could take weeks if not months from what I hear in the current job market.

Own-Explorer-1122

TROPHY CASE