Hmmm....

[getnrichslowly]

I am in a master's program that I could have taken out a student loan for. Instead I am doing the no interest $570 month payment for 20 months and I will be finished paying for it when I graduate.

One of the girls in the program was talking at lunch today and asked me how much it was and said how could anyone afford that?.

I looked at her with her manicured nails, new pink razor phone, colored and highlighted hair, cute little outfit, pedicured toes, and wondered, how can she afford that?

[kabin63]

I'd say it's a matter of priorities. Although I can say I was never a girly girl, I still would have had a lot of trouble subscribing to this way of life when I was younger. I would also say you are the smarter.

[Libby]

broke teacher - i think you chose the best method for yourself. she may have an abudance of money trees in her yard waiting to 'sprout the bills' soon to her, its more important to look all polished vs studying - which is why you're paying to go to school in the first place.....personally i dont pay to attend school only to pay again to parade around like a pedigree. besides any mate you attract may eventually see you for how you really are - when not all dolled up - why fool them now?

there's no right answer here but your method of thinking seems more logical and practical....one day maybe SHE will realize whos more rich in non materialistic/financial terms.

just my opinion.

[ewokgirl]

That's the nature of our society. Project the image; worry about paying for it later. Just be grateful that you are one of the few who actually uses your brain when it comes to finances. Someday, down the road, that girl may realize that all that stuff didn't even matter, and she'll regret her decisions. Or not. Either way, not your concern, thankfully.

[babetteq]

It's sad really the way most people's priorities are so misguided and narcissistic. I can't imagine that they are happy living like that. somewhere in teh back of their heads they must know that nail polish and matching razor phones are not what bring happiness?

-babs

[Daisygirl]

I was that girl with all the glitz, and boy am I paying for it now. Broke Teacher, I wish with all my heart I had been smart like you when I was younger. All that lifestyle bought me was misery. Those fleeting moments of happiness with a new acquisition -- how shallow they are compared to the sense of accomplishment I feel when I do something meaningful to care for my children. Those fancy outfits got me a guy that was only looking for the image, friends that spent like idiots too, and a huge huge pile of debt. It certainly bought me nothing meaningful, like property or an education.

Good for you, you are already further ahead than most people I know. This is a great thread on priorities!

[ironmaiden]

I have two sisters. One sister asked me if I thought the other sister could afford a new car that she just bought - she was asking out of concern. I said that she could if she spent her disposable income on the car instead of handbags and jewelery. So if she redirects the money she wasted on junk to car payments she'd be fine. If not, she'll be in a major credit card hole.
Her interest rate on her car is 7.5%. for a 5 year loan - due to horrible credit i.e. previous bankruptcy.

[pammy]

I looked at her with her manicured nails, new pink razor phone, colored and highlighted hair, cute little outfit, pedicured toes, and wondered, how can she afford that?

You just described one of my sisters to a 'T'! She sure looks pretty, and so do her bills. Will be interesting to watch both ladies down the road. Congratulations on your intelligence in realizing you got the better deal!

[BTK]

I swear I could have written your post. I am also a teacher and went back to get my masters degree and paid cash for it all. I had no student loans when I finished my masters degree.

I find that I can't stand to waste my money on those little baubles, etc only to end up donating it a year or so down the road because I don't use it anymore.

My hat is off to you.

[MandiDawn]

I looked at her with her manicured nails, new pink razor phone, colored and highlighted hair, cute little outfit, pedicured toes, and wondered, how can she afford that?

I struggle with this - I like to look polished and put together - it's just who I am. My BF knows and loves me for who I really am lol, but I do like to "look like money" (that's how I say it). I do my mani and pedi's myself (and do a pretty good job I think). I also ask for gift cert for x-mas and such to my hair salon to get my hair done. I havn't bought new clothes in a really long time (maybe one or two outfits in a year adn a half) But I pay for all services in cash. . .Like I said, it's a struggle because I know that I really don't need my eyebrows waxed, but it looks so much better than when I pluck them myself ya know, and it makes me feel so much better about myself. I usually compromise and go a little too long in between hair appts, and only get my eyebrows waxed every other month or so (I pluck them every.single.day . . . yeah, they are that bad)

but I did just buy a pink razor phone - it's so cute!! and I do need a phone since I travel to a (dangerous) city every day for work and if something happens to my car, I need to be able to call someone. We switched sevices so I needed a new phone and either get a ok one free or pay a little for a pink razor - I couldn't resist!!!!

[Telephus44]

I, too, splurge a bit on some of the girly stuff (eg I pay $17 every two week to have my nails done, and in the summer I'll plunk down $25 every two weeks for a pedicure) but I also know that if I wanted something else, or if I had to, I could give it all up. I was very frugal when I was in college - I made $50/week from my on-campus job and bought all my books, food, personal supplies with it as well as paid my phone bill. If I decided to go back for my masters, I would try and cut back and do it with cash.

WTG, broketeacher!!!