Lessons Learned: 10 Things I Wish I Had Known About College at 18

Lessons Learned: 10 Things I Wish I Had Known About College at 18

Just last week my grad school friends and I were reminiscing that it had been exactly one year since we graduated. My mind started drifting back to grad school and then I thought back to my undergraduate years since I graduated 4 years ago. Compared to graduate school, I can see now that I was far too naive in undergrad. Looking back, it was a much more carefree time in my life than now. While I would not change a…

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Should You Take a Gap Year Before Grad School?

Should You Take a Gap Year Before Grad School?

While the end of the school year may be an exciting time to relax and enjoy a summer vacation, it can also be a stressful time of decision making. This is especially true if you are entering your last year of college and deciding whether you should apply for grad school during your last year or take a gap year before grad school. If you want to go straight to grad school after getting your college degree, you have to…

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5 Steps to Handle Student Loans After Graduation

5 Steps to Handle Student Loans After Graduation

With graduation season around the corner, you are probably filled with excitement to finally finish two decades worth of education and finally start entering the work field. Maybe you are currently struggling on the job hunt or feeling anxious at starting your first “adult” job. But there is also a hurdle coming your way. Now that you’ve graduated, you have to start paying your student loans. While you may be tempted to put off thinking about it while you’re in…

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April 2018 Debt Progress: Changing My Payment Strategy

April 2018 Debt Progress: Changing My Payment Strategy

April was horrible. I can’t believe the last time I made a student loan payment was in February which is not good at all. I am so glad I started this blog to hold myself accountable because I am feeling pretty damn embarrassed right now for not making progress so there will be drastic changes coming. The upside is while I didn’t make any payments in March or April, I didn’t default on them at all. This is because I…

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How to Have It All: Balancing Frugality with Social Life

How to Have It All: Balancing Frugality with Social Life

Your twenties and thirties are supposed to be the best years of your lives. You finally have the freedom to do whatever you want as an adult. You’ve had time to get that rebellious streak and experimentation out of you during your teenage years and early twenties. While you’ve probably made your share of mistakes, as an adult you are finally getting comfortable being in your own skin. You are at a place where you can do whatever you want, be…

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How to Pick A College That is Right For You (Without Breaking the Bank)

How to Pick A College That is Right For You (Without Breaking the Bank)

Yesterday, I was shocked to have my distant uncle call me out of the blue. I was scared that something was wrong. To my relief, he called for advice on picking a college for his daughter.  Thankfully, I loved my choice of college but I remember the turmoil I had in picking. Dramatic as I was at 18, it felt like my whole future was on the line. So here are my top 5 things to consider when picking the…

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I Quit My Job!

I Quit My Job!

I did it. I just resigned from my job. It doesn’t make me feel good to do it on Friday the 13th, but I don’t think there is such thing as a good day to resign. I mentioned before that a month since my contract position ended, I was lucky enough to secure a new job. However, the downside was I had to resign from my part-time job. Although I never liked the job and I always had the intention…

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6 Things I No Longer Buy (and Neither Should You!) to Save Money

6 Things I No Longer Buy (and Neither Should You!) to Save Money

Ever bought something that you later regretted? I have. So in my efforts to pay off my six-figure debt, I have drastically cut down on my spending. Although I have cut down on many more things, these are the 6 things that I no longer buy that have made the most impact on saving me money.   1.  Desktop computer I stopped using my desktop computer when I graduated from high school 8 years ago and moved out to the dorms with…

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6 Steps You Need to Take After A Layoff

6 Steps You Need to Take After A Layoff

I was laid off. There, I said it. Being laid off is a taboo topic that no one wants to talk about and it can really take a hit on your self-confidence. However, exactly one month since my position ended, I have accepted a new job offer. So if you are stumped on what to do after being laid off, these are the 6 things I did to get back on my feet and land a new job.   1. …

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March 2018 Student Debt Statement

March 2018 Student Debt Statement

For the month of March, I did not make any payments at all. I had a couple of setbacks in life. My contract position ended earlier than expected due to lack of business needs which led me back to my part-time job. So at the end of March, I am currently in higher debt than I was last month. I accrued $340.53 in interest. The good news is those accrued interests are not being capitalized and I have 50% subsidy…

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