Hi Laura -
Welcome to the site! Where in UT are you from? (DH and I are from UT/ID area also - we get back there as often as we can!). I completely understand how you feel about the financial issue - and I echo what everyone has said on this site... look into financial aid programs everywhere.
I worked full time for the first 2 years of med school, then had twins and stayed at home. I did some 'from home' jobs - sold pampered chef, did some internet scrapbook supply selling, and taught aerobics at local gyms. I also started teaching nutrition seminars (as a contract through work - a complete blessing!), but it still was a pittance compared to what we needed to survive.
We took out extra loans - the financial aid department helped steer us in the right direction as to where to find loans (Yes, make VERY good friends with the financial aid counselors!). and I looked into every government program I could find. We qualified for Food stamps, and had free medical coverage for the kids (we paid for a bare-bones coverage for dh and myself). The food stamps really made it possible for us to eat the entire last 1 1/2 years of med school, literally!! Even now, in residency, we still qualify for WIC and it helps a ton.
It takes a LOT of creative financing (read: get comfy with credit cards ) to hold out for the next student loan check, and try garage sales/goodwill/etc for baby stuff. Our entire family is pretty much outfitted by goodwill/garage sale items. (also a good site to try that someone on here recommended years ago, and I still use today is http://www.freecycle.org - great site to get free stuff... I have gotten tons of stuff for free for the kids - from beds, to high chairs, to baby bathtubs, toys, etc. It's an awesome community site for wherever you are living!).
We are now 3 year into residency and pregnant with baby #4. It is doable, but you learn to do without A LOT, and live for the end of this long, never-ending stretch of medical training life .
Good luck and CONGRATS on your baby - it will bring a whole new dimension to your world!!
Jen B.
Welcome to the site! Where in UT are you from? (DH and I are from UT/ID area also - we get back there as often as we can!). I completely understand how you feel about the financial issue - and I echo what everyone has said on this site... look into financial aid programs everywhere.
I worked full time for the first 2 years of med school, then had twins and stayed at home. I did some 'from home' jobs - sold pampered chef, did some internet scrapbook supply selling, and taught aerobics at local gyms. I also started teaching nutrition seminars (as a contract through work - a complete blessing!), but it still was a pittance compared to what we needed to survive.
We took out extra loans - the financial aid department helped steer us in the right direction as to where to find loans (Yes, make VERY good friends with the financial aid counselors!). and I looked into every government program I could find. We qualified for Food stamps, and had free medical coverage for the kids (we paid for a bare-bones coverage for dh and myself). The food stamps really made it possible for us to eat the entire last 1 1/2 years of med school, literally!! Even now, in residency, we still qualify for WIC and it helps a ton.
It takes a LOT of creative financing (read: get comfy with credit cards ) to hold out for the next student loan check, and try garage sales/goodwill/etc for baby stuff. Our entire family is pretty much outfitted by goodwill/garage sale items. (also a good site to try that someone on here recommended years ago, and I still use today is http://www.freecycle.org - great site to get free stuff... I have gotten tons of stuff for free for the kids - from beds, to high chairs, to baby bathtubs, toys, etc. It's an awesome community site for wherever you are living!).
We are now 3 year into residency and pregnant with baby #4. It is doable, but you learn to do without A LOT, and live for the end of this long, never-ending stretch of medical training life .
Good luck and CONGRATS on your baby - it will bring a whole new dimension to your world!!
Jen B.
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