Thank You Everyone!!
It feels amazing to know that I can live my life on my own terms, and not have to stress about making those monthly payments etc...
otherbarry: I completely agree with you. It was a rather hard decision to make at that time. Although it's not for everyone, I just took a deep breath, left my pride and ego at the door lol...and just "manned up" and did what I had to do. At the same time, my parents were really supportive of my decision and helped in any which way they could. I def. shaved off many years of student debt repayment by deciding to stay at home for a few years...highly recommend it!!!
thurston howell iv: I think the biggest barrier def. has to be the psychological toll that a $$$ amount presents. Seeing how much was left, especially on days when you are rather tight on money, makes for rather difficult and depressing times. It seems like your stranded on a desert island sometimes. Also, having to just say no to friends and/or family when going out to particular events, clubs, bars, dinners, or even movies, can be hard. But, ultimately it's just telling yourself that temporary pain equals long term gain. I wasn't going to put my financial future into disarray because I wanted to spend $50 on a steak....although appetizing, I had bigger goals in mind.
The biggest thing that I learned during these past two years is that it can be done! I don't think I would have learned anything about finances, investing, budgeting, planning, this forum, etc.... if I didn't go through the process that I did. Moving forward, life will most likely present very difficult times emotionally, physically, and I'm sure financially....but knowing that I came out fine after these two years, I know that I can def. get past anything that is thrown my way. Bring it ON!!!