Paying Off Nearly Six Figures of Student Debt in Seven Months

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Let's see a story about someone making $30,000 a year getting out of debt when they've already cut expenses, have children still at home, etc. You know, real people who are struggling.

js of FL 10:22AM June 12, 2012

Now thats AWESOME!!!

Mark of FL 12:30PM June 11, 2012

Amy -
I agree that what CG was suggesting is clearly the wrong way to go, and I'd much rather have a story like this than more depressing stories about war or murder or etc.
My original point was just that while this person should be commended for making their debt a priority and taking the necessary steps to get out of it, it doesn't seem as big of a deal as the headline promises, because they have the resources to do so. They're not doing anything novel or heroic, they're just making good decisions.
If they could find a story about a teacher who made identical decisions to this person, but ended up faced with a mountain of debt and only their $35k/year job to attack it with, that would be much more inspirational, and much more applicable to the average person struggling with debt.
Good for the guy in the story, and I don't want to take anything him, but that should be the norm, not an exception - pay down your debt when you can so you can be rid of it.

Ed of AZ 11:22AM June 05, 2012

To Ed of AZ - I know the unemployment statistics and get the issue, however I don't believe that justifies a person to think crime is the answer and take from the people that are working. We pay enough taxes for those that don't work as it is, plus having to worry about being robbed? It isn't that I believe we shouldn't help those unemployed, disabled, etc. I just think that there are a lot of people like CG that abuse the system, whine "why me", steal, etc. THEN have the audacity to make an absurd comment about someone that is actually contributing to society and making positive changes in their world. Maybe if CG and the likes went through college, or VOTECH, or read the classified ads instead of using that time to post absurdities and negativity then maybe one day, I can read a positive article and actually be able to say "CONGRATS" for a job well done without being called out. I guess newsworthy articles should just be kept to those that would rather steal, prostitute and freeload off the system.

Amy of IA 5:44PM June 04, 2012

To Amy -
"Quit whining and get a real job"
Ah, well, there's the problem. Last year 53% of people under 25 with a bachelor's degree were jobless/unemployed. (http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2012/04/53-of-recent-college-grads-are-jobless-or-underemployed-how/256237/).
I'm guessing most of them aren't just sitting around, or turning to crime like CG suggested - they'd love to "get a real job", if only there were enough to go around. In the meantime, the interest stacks up...

Ed of AZ 4:02PM June 04, 2012

I commend you for setting a goal and reaching it. Personally, I don't think it matters if you have a six figure salary or not, when you set a goal and take steps to follow through, you can accomplish anything.
To "CG of GA" - "For the rest of us though, there's selling drugs, crime, prostitution, political, corruption, and counterfeiting." <- I don't make a six figure salary and I have no debt, however if I did I wouldn't even think about any of these avenues. Quit whining and get a real job and quit trying to live off everyone that does. Obviously, if you don't make a six figure income it will take longer to pay off the debt, however the key is to sacrifice that things you want RIGHT NOW to take care of your debt. This guy made a choice to go to college and weighed out what he would make afterwards to justify the debt and then set a goal to pay it off. He could have easily live the "American Dream" and go party every night in a new outfit and be in debt for the rest of his life but opted for a more satisfying life. If more people would think like this instead of the "American Way - I want it and I want it RIGHT NOW" then maybe we wouldn't have so many people abusing "the system".

Amy of IA 3:33PM June 04, 2012

Great story of commitment, perseverance, and faith. Thank you for showing the graduating class of 2012 an example of making it to the next degree no matter the circumstances.
As I begin my MBA in the fall, I am inspired to see someone bold enough to tell the world that you can make it.
I can't wait to feel that moment of debt-free; I've heard it is a spiritual experience in itself.

Joshua B of CA 1:09PM June 04, 2012

Students need to be educated on their repayment options. Please sign this petition and help make a change.
http://tinyurl.com/d62vlen

Laura of IL 12:58PM June 04, 2012

Not so tough when you have a job, period, let alone, a 6 figure job. Try doing the same with no job at all, and no prospects for a job. That's the absolute reality 90% of college graduates actually face today, not this pie in the sky fantasy. If you can't save 80% of your income on a $100,000 job, somethings wrong. Pay it off in a year and be done with it if you're balling that big. For the rest of us though, there's selling drugs, crime, prostitution, political corruption, and counterfeiting. Welcome to America.

CG of GA 12:57PM June 04, 2012