Hiya Greenpea,
That is almost THE EXACT same situation I was in about 5 years ago...what a nightmare that was!
There are really very few things you can do to correct your situation; here they are as I did them:
1) stop spending money. Seriously, you just have to completely stop. You are a grad student; nobody expects you to buy them expensive dinners out or pay for a round of shots at the local pub. Buy the bag of Starbucks coffee at the local grocery store ($0.20 instead of the $5/cup at the retailer. Take advantage of your current situation and everyone else's expectations of you now, while you still have a chance. Stop spending money. Think to yourself, if I open my wallet I am doing something wrong. Stop. Close it. And if you don't die of starvation, exposure to the elements, or dehydration, then you'll be just fine. Think like this for just 12 months, and you'll be rewarded for the next 10 years.
2) Make more money. I don't care what you have to do, just find a way to make more money. 2nd job, 3rd job, shovel snow, or rake leaves. Start a web site and sell advice to incoming college freshmen on their chemistry classes. Do whatever it takes. You simply need to increase your income.
3) Buy a house/condo/apt. With the tax benefits available for home owners, and the government subsidies available for first time buyers, you can easily reduce your overall output buy paying less money into your taxes. You won't get too far with a 646 score, though...the interest rates could kill you. You need to increase your score to over 700...720 would be best. take a look at this web site for information how to increase your score:[deleted]
Just stick with it...with persistance and patience you will acheive freedom from the load that has been accumulating on your shoulders. Good luck.
Message Edited by TheNewWorldMan on
09-26-2007 02:09 PM
