We're Screwed

Each time the Mr. and even begin talking about our financial situation, or should I call it our financial "investment", we quickly say to each other, "We're screwed" and leave the conversation at that. What else is there to say?  We figure after our undergrad and advanced degrees we'll owe around...$270,000 to the government and our parents. This doesn't even include the interest. Whhhhaaaaaaat!?  Yes, I am serious. And that is why we think about it for about 5 minutes, feel completely overwhelmed, and move on to another subject. I feel very goal oriented and future focused, but our future is very daunting and can feel overwhelming. Especially considering the fact that we're not that young anymore. We're pretty much full blown adults. With no savings (small retirement funds), with no investments, still renting and feeling very much screwed. Lord help this economy. Pray for us to get jobs when we're done with school. Let's not even think about the goal of owning a home. I've pretty much kissed that goodbye for the next 10-15 years. The other day I calculated the cost of renting from the time we moved in together to when the Mr. finishes law school. We're talking almost 100k here people. I keep feeling like we made a very grave mistake. Would I trade it for the amazing times I've had in California and Chicago? Would I trade it for the quality education I am getting at DePaul? Right now I say no. Ask me next year when I've graduated, looking for a job and about to enter repayment.

Which leads me to the cost of weddings. Is it irresponsible to be spending 30k on a wedding when we're going to be so far in the hole. Sometimes I feel like 30k isn't even going to make a dent on our school debt so we should have the wedding we want. Other times I feel incredibly guilty. What's a girl to do...

How can I help guide students to college knowing the debt load then will face? How can I assure them education is worth the investment when I'm scared myself? I guess it's better than no education, right?

When will the education bubble burst? Not before my time, that's for sure.

First Day of Life as Full Time Graduate Students

Woooo Whooo! Yesterday was his last day at work and today is the first day of his "new" life. He started working for the company in 2007 when we moved to Orange County, CA and transferred with the company when I decided on grad school in Chicago. I am probably feeling more sentimental than he is about his transition from full time employment to full time law student.

Why am I feeling emotional about this? Well, I am anxious (which probably really means I am scared). How will this transition impact our relationship? Our finances? Our life? Scared because people keep telling me about the break-up rate of law students. I am sure we'll be fine though! At the same time, I am proud that he is ambitious, put himself out there, took the risk to go back to school, invest in his/our future. I am excited and hopeful that this is it; he won't hate his job and will feel more fulfilled by this decision. I was so nervous before I started my program, but found myself feeling absolutely content and at home in my decision. I hope he can experience the same peace.

Are we just putting off adulthood by going back to school or is this the next step towards adulthood? Are we delaying the inevitable sucky job, mortgage and kids?  We are 26 and 28. Aren't we adults already? I always told myself I was a real adult when I had my own health insurance and was actively saving for retirement. I was there a year ago, have I reverted? Are we both taking a step back? I keep trying not to compare myself/us to others, but it's hard.

How do you know when you are officially and adult?

Top 10...

...Reasons I Started this Blog

1. I have a bunch of spare time.
2.  Document adventures/misadventures in a new (ish) city.
3.  Collect and reflect on thoughts regarding my masters program, his first year of law school and life in general.
4.  Keep track of projects I want to complete and their progress.
5.  Share my/our life with friends and family who are a long way away.
6.  List goals of a mid (omg mid?) twenties millennial gal and her boyfriend. Let's not pretend this is "our" blog. I will be doing all the posting and it will be entirely from my perspective but will often include him.
7.  Preserve memories. Hello! Blogging is the new (again -ish) scrap booking, only a whole lot cheaper!
8.  Work on my writing.
9.  Complain about being broke/keep myself accountable!
10. .Inflate my ego by believing someone cares enough to read this blog!