Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 5039
Expenses
10/31/2016 at 2:04 PM
You need to have a long, hard look at your expenses.
I wouldn't normally advocate borrowing to pay for school, but in this case because you're so close to finishing it might be a good option. How long of a program is it? Realistically, if you dropped it can you come back in a year or two and finish it (for example, if it's a university program and your need classes x, y and z to graduate)? Or will you have to basically start again from scratch trying to get in, etc? Can you reduce your workload, so that you spend less time in class, have more time for work and homework (and then paying less to the school)? You may stretch out your program, but at least you won't go crazy in the meanwhile.
But look at your expenses. As ynot says, maybe you need to get rid of your car, especially if you have a car loan. If you need transport for work, get rid of your current (debt-ridden) car and buy a beater in cash. But be careful as if you're upside down on your loan you might end up owing on a car that you no longer own (a good reason why car loans are often a bad idea).
Look at your rent. Can you move someplace cheaper? Instead of an apartment, can you just rent a room somewhere? Can you get a roommate? You say you have no family to turn to, but are you sure you couldn't move in with family just until school is finished? Is residence an option that might be cheaper than living on your own (and may include some meals).
You're obviously very determined, and that's what's going to get you through. Instead of picking up more shifts at what's probably a min-wage job, have you looked at getting a higher wage elsewhere?