Quote:
Originally Posted by Kätzchen
Up until this year, I've kept my list of regrets to a bare minimum and just this past week, after I got an email notice instructing me that my first payment due on all my college loans (for both bachelor and masters degrees) for the mere price of: $1,700.00/month.
I bought into the idea, over ten years ago, that earning an education would help me transcend my life of poverty. If anything, even if I WAS lucky enough to find a job or career earning at least $5K a month, I'd still be poor, after paying a monthly loan payment - with only enough left over for bare, basic living expenses.
Lesson Numero Uno 1 & my only Regret of the Century (so far)
(a lesson I won't forget, ever - literally).
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When I was getting my Bachelor's degree, it was still possible to get one without loans. Now for poor, working class and middle class, it is highly unlikely.
Private loans, Government loans with interest rates that are not fixed. The interest rate will go up before you finish your education and it is time to pay. Back in the day, some future doctors and lawyers would file bankruptcy in order to get out of paying back the loans. Then the U.S House and Senate passed legislation forbidding bankruptcy against school loans. ( I wish I had the stats for the doctors and lawyers who filed for bankruptcy. I doubt they were first generation college graduates and from a background of poverty.)
When will enough be enough? Many are trying to get an education, secure housing, healthcare and a living wage from their employer. The rich get richer and the poor keep getting deeper in debt or without essentials.
I do not hold the "rich" entirely responsible for the state of affairs in the USA and frankly globally. I do however know, they control much of the power and resources. I know we all have responsibility for our life choices. I also know some are born with better choices without having to earn it.
Good luck to you Katzchen. You are a strong, intelligent woman that can and will prevail. (Even if it is in your legacy and not the present.)