Paying bills versus going on vacation or other non-essentials

[mjkacmom]

That's a big topic of debate in our profession. I can confirm that the typical price of PT school is in line with what she posted. Mine was around $190K total. My options were essentially that cost and be able to live at home, or pay a little closer to $150K, but then have to pay for housing somewhere.

I did what I could to make undergrad cheap. Got a lot of credits in high school (around 22), chose a cheaper school, was able to pay in state tuition even though I was out of state, etc. But there wasn't any getting around the high cost of grad school, which was needed for my chosen career.

Lol that is exactly what my daughter did. Now she works Thursday - Sunday as a bartender to pay for rent and food, no rest for her. Around here it’s common for PT’s to earn $100,000+ (high COL) and they are in demand. ETA having unpaid clinicals is so tough, fortunately her one last summer was near home and she was able to sublet her room, all she knows is the one next summer is 12 weeks, no idea where.

 

[Pink Partridge]

My daughter’s DPT costs $60,000 a year after merit, does not include housing. She new she wanted to be a physical therapist since freshman year in HS, unfortunately it’s a pricy program.

And the sad part of A Doctor of Physical Therapy degree is the low pay for what you put into it. We learned this the hard way. Daughter then went back for degree in engineering and is doing much (much!) better.

But we were very bitter with the process of basically forcing everyone to get a pricey "doctorate" in Physical Therapy. You are obviously not a doctor, can't even write a prescription. She still went for it. But the system is rigged for these institutions to collect the high tuition, b/c everyone gets the DPT now. It's almost a scam.

 

[mjkacmom]

And the sad part of A Doctor of Physical Therapy degree is the low pay for what you put into it. We learned this the hard way. Daughter then went back for degree in engineering and is doing much (much!) better.

But we were very bitter with the process of basically forcing everyone to get a pricey "doctorate" in Physical Therapy. You are obviously not a doctor, can't even write a prescription. She still went for it. But the system is rigged for these institutions to collect the high tuition, b/c everyone gets the DPT now. It's almost a scam.

You need to get the DPT. A good friend is an audiologist, only needed a masters which she did after undergrad. When they switched it up to a doctorate she had to go back to school.

 

[Pink Partridge]

You need to get the DPT.

Yep. Pay the university much more, while salary increases very little. Then have real doctors looking down on you because some of your DPT colleagues insist on being called doctor. It was my daughter's dream job since childhood. But we really could not believe the income for the investment.

 

[Southernmiss]

Doctorate signifies a level of education, not just MD.

 

[Pink Partridge]

Doctorate signifies a level of education, not just MD.

Yes. Of course.

But when you are making $77k a year with your 3 year "doctor degree", and demand seasoned MDs refer to you as Doctor, it all starts getting a bit ridiculous.

We learned so much about being a DPT after the fact. Perhaps others will have a better experience. My daughter did not feel the salary was worth the time put into the career.

 

[luv2cheer92]

Yes. Of course.

But when you are making $77k a year with your 3 year "doctor degree", and demand seasoned MDs refer to you as Doctor, it all starts getting a bit ridiculous.

We learned so much about being a DPT after the fact. Perhaps others will have a better experience. My daughter did not feel the salary was worth the time put into the career.

While I am making quite a bit more than that (even in a very low CoL area) I get it. If I didn't absolutely love what I do, I'm not sure I would stay either.

I don't agree on your stance being referred to as a doctor though, there is a reason we shifted to that level of education. We can do a whole lot more with that designation than we could before it. Most MDs I work with respect our level of education and expertise in what we do. But I do agree with it being more of a reason for the schools to increase tuition.

 

[disneydreamer1980]

I am someone who has no trouble paying my bills but I realize not everyone is that lucky. If I were dying and were in the position of deciding between bills and Disney (or any other experience) I would unapologetically take whatever money I had and spend it on making final memories. The big companies in this country have no problem defaulting, getting bailed out, overcharging, being greedy, taking advantage of tax loopholes, and generally screwing over Americans so I wouldn’t feel sorry for them in the least and I doubt one person not paying their bills on time would cripple any company. What’s wrong with people that they would begrudge someone who’s potentially dying making final memories and enjoying the time they have left? Only the rich should have that luxury? You can only make the most of a shortened life if you’re up to date on your bills? The CEOs of the companies she owes to are flying around on private jets but this poor potentially dying woman can’t take a vacation instead of paying bills late?

 

[mjkacmom]

While I am making quite a bit more than that (even in a very low CoL area) I get it. If I didn't absolutely love what I do, I'm not sure I would stay either.

I don't agree on your stance being referred to as a doctor though, there is a reason we shifted to that level of education. We can do a whole lot more with that designation than we could before it. Most MDs I work with respect our level of education and expertise in what we do. But I do agree with it being more of a reason for the schools to increase tuition.

I thought the APTA changed the requirements and accreditation needs a doctorate for a program, I don’t think it was a decision by the colleges themselves. We are right outside NYC so hopefully a decent salary (my 2 business majors get paid pretty well). My daughter loved her clinical this summer in acute care.

 

[luv2cheer92]

I thought the APTA changed the requirements and accreditation needs a doctorate for a program, I don’t think it was a decision by the colleges themselves. We are right outside NYC so hopefully a decent salary (my 2 business majors get paid pretty well). My daughter loved her clinical this summer in acute care.

Many program directors/professors are active members of the APTA and had influence on the decision to push for the Doctorate. So not directly, but I have no doubt there was at least some push. I was in school not long after most programs started shifting.

I work for a fairly large hospital system (relatively speaking, for our area), and am kinda like a floater. So I do acute care, inpatient rehab, TCU/SNF, and outpatient. So I get a bit of almost everything and I love it. It was hard for me to pick one setting haha. But the great thing about PT is there are sooooo many possibilities and it is fairly easy to change settings/specialties.

 

[NotUrsula]

Just FYI on the topic of such luxuries as granite countertops in the on-campus apartments. This kind of on-campus build level is almost never financed by the universities themselves, so the "luxury" finishings do not contribute to the cost of tuition. Nearly every school that has such complexes also has cheaper options, so living in a place like that is a choice to be made.

The normal way these projects are built is that the university leases out the land at a token rent to a private developer. The developer pays for the entire build, and also gets the right to manage the property and collect all rents for a set period of time (usually about 20-25 years), after which the building reverts to the University at no additional cost, and the developer bows out, taking a depreciation on the building. The developers choose the high-end finishes for marketing reasons, to convince students who have the means to live there rather than in a typical off-campus apartment that is in much more bare-bones shape. These apartments also appeal to parents for another reason: each tenant in a multi-person unit gets a separate lease, so no one is left holding the bag for the entire rent if a roommate leaves school or moves in with a significant other.

The community college option can work for some students, but not everyone everywhere has that option, for whatever reason. Not choosing to do it does not automatically constitute a poor financial choice on the part of the student. Another thing to consider about the CC route is that reseach has shown that 70% of students who start CC with the goal of transferring after year 2 fail to do so; either stopping at the Associates certificate level, or just quitting school, either because they discover that they can't come up with the money, or due to other factors such as being offered a full-time job, or becoming a parent. Like it or not, doing your entire undergrad at one school is far more likely to result in actually finishing a degree.

FWIW, I think that given the cost of college here, Americans would greatly benefit by adopting the working gap-year model, though I think 2 years would make more sense here. Not only does it help to guide the person's career choices (if only by demonstrating what they are NOT suited to do) and allow time to build up savings, but it allows for better financial aid opportunities at 4-yr schools than the community college model does, which is becoming more important as fewer students manage to finish undergrad in 4 years.

 

[shh]

That's a big topic of debate in our profession. I can confirm that the typical price of PT school is in line with what she posted. Mine was around $190K total. My options were essentially that cost and be able to live at home, or pay a little closer to $150K, but then have to pay for housing somewhere.

I did what I could to make undergrad cheap. Got a lot of credits in high school (around 22), chose a cheaper school, was able to pay in state tuition even though I was out of state, etc. But there wasn't any getting around the high cost of grad school, which was needed for my chosen career.

It really wasn't that long ago that a respected PT was only expected to have a bachelor's - a doctorate is a crazy big leap. I know one person who wanted to be a PT, but after looking into salary averages and schooling costs, decided the math wasn't for her. She chose a different path with less rigorous edu demands. She earns less than a PT, but also has no debt. She lives pretty well plus saves for the future: it's easier on a lower salary if you can avoid the debt albatross.

 

[QueenIsabella]

FWIW, I think that given the cost of college here, Americans would greatly benefit by adopting the working gap-year model, though I think 2 years would make more sense here. Not only does it help to guide the person's career choices (if only by demonstrating what they are NOT suited to do) and allow time to build up savings, but it allows for better financial aid opportunities at 4-yr schools than the community college model does, which is becoming more important as fewer students manage to finish undergrad in 4 years.

See, this is what I mean about thinking creatively. Your suggestion is good--so is the idea of going co-op, where you work 2, 8-month stints, and finish in 5 years versus 4. You gain $$ AND work experience.

As to those fancy apartments--we'll pay for DD20 to live on campus, even though we live a few miles away. We feel the experience has benefitted her. However, if she wants to live off-campus--well, she has a bedroom right here! She's considering an off-campus apartment, but knows she would have to pay rent/board herself.

 

[luv2cheer92]

It really wasn't that long ago that a respected PT was only expected to have a bachelor's - a doctorate is a crazy big leap. I know one person who wanted to be a PT, but after looking into salary averages and schooling costs, decided the math wasn't for her. She chose a different path with less rigorous edu demands. She earns less than a PT, but also has no debt. She lives pretty well plus saves for the future: it's easier on a lower salary if you can avoid the debt albatross.

The DPT has allowed us to become more independent as healthcare professionals. Having the education and training to be able to see patients without a physician referral and be able to treat them appropriately, knowing signs of when they need to be referred out.

PT can be very lucrative if you follow certain paths, some of which having the DPT has allowed. Though I will say I do the bolded above pretty darn well also, even with a close to average salary.

 

[SpaceMan5]

I am someone who has no trouble paying my bills but I realize not everyone is that lucky. If I were dying and were in the position of deciding between bills and Disney (or any other experience) I would unapologetically take whatever money I had and spend it on making final memories.

Amen!

 

[sam_gordon]

Unfortunately it's not surprising. There are SO many variables when it comes to individual finances, but some on here are acting like "if it can be done by one person, it can be done by all." (NOTE: If you're not one of those people, I'm not referring to you).

First, regarding taking a trip when you have bills to pay... if you're on a payment plan and handling your bills and can save money (or come up with a separate plan) for a trip or other "non-essential", I say go for it. Saying "you shouldn't go on a trip if you have bills to pay" means anyone with a home loan or a car loan should never do anything non-essential until you have ZERO debt. Personally, we have more debt than what I'd like. We're working on paying things down. But we're still planning a family vacation next year to celebrate youngest DD's HS graduation. The memories of having the family together for what might be the last time in a while are worth it to us. Criticize us if you want, but we're going on the trip.

And it's the same regarding colleges & college choices. Are there SOME choosing expensive colleges simply for the name recognition? Sure. But without knowing an individuals options & desires, how can you (general) judge whether they're making the right choices? Sometimes the QUALITY of the school comes down to "you get what you pay for". Is a business degree (for example) from Iowa State (sorry Iowa) "worth" the same as a business degree from Harvard?

yDD wants to go into Culinary. We have one of the top culinary schools in the country in our state. A two year culinary degree? Nearly $50k before housing. Yes, we have savings and scholarships available. Our two oldest also took out loans to go to school. There's more that factors into the choice of a school than finances. I'm not saying it's not part of the equation, but it's not (and shouldn't be) the ONLY part of the equation. If you think your kid (or you) should go to whatever college has your degree that costs the least, go for it.

 

[sheilafri]

Responsible adults pay their bills first.

I agree. Unanswerable question here: Would a life threatening diagnosis simply bring out who and what you already are or would it change that?

 

[QueenIsabella]

I agree. Unanswerable question here: Would a life threatening diagnosis simply bring out who and what you already are or would it change that?

The other question is, did the person the OP mentioned have a terminal diagnosis, and very survivable diagnosis, or somewhere in between? Reactions might be very different. I know for me, a terminal diagnosis and resources that could go for medical bills (retirement account, life insurance) would make me want to do a blow-out trip. But, a cancerous mole probably wouldn't. It would hopefully make me reconsider my life choices generally, though.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

Unfortunately it's not surprising. There are SO many variables when it comes to individual finances, but some on here are acting like "if it can be done by one person, it can be done by all." (NOTE: If you're not one of those people, I'm not referring to you).

First, regarding taking a trip when you have bills to pay... if you're on a payment plan and handling your bills and can save money (or come up with a separate plan) for a trip or other "non-essential", I say go for it. Saying "you shouldn't go on a trip if you have bills to pay" means anyone with a home loan or a car loan should never do anything non-essential until you have ZERO debt. Personally, we have more debt than what I'd like. We're working on paying things down. But we're still planning a family vacation next year to celebrate youngest DD's HS graduation. The memories of having the family together for what might be the last time in a while are worth it to us. Criticize us if you want, but we're going on the trip.

You see so many on these boards feel the need to justify their trips. “Oh we’re staying at the Poly but we’re debt free, have no mortgage, drive 2 15 year old cars, our kids 529s are fully funded, we’re maxed out on 401k and retirement funds, we have 5 years emergency savings, etc.” It’s a bit over the top for me.

Does that mean those with debt don’t deserve to take a trip or make memories with family? If someone has credit card debt and makes their payments who cares. It’s their finances.

IMO if you aren’t asking anyone to pay your bills go do you. Cancer diagnosis or not.

I have a mortgage. I’m about to buy a car with a payment. I’m also planning a family vacation in June and a Disney trip for 2025. Sure I could use that money and pay off the car but what fun is that and whose business is it.

Seems the person the OP is talking about is going to create a payment plan for their bills which I assume are medical bills. I think that person is doing the right thing. Like I said in my PP, I would never go full on broke for medical debt. Make a livable payment plan and make the payments and it doesn’t affect your credit. That is the responsible thing to do.

 

[wvjules]

I’m a part of a VERY large Disney group on Facebook. A lady posted that she can’t afford to go to WDW because she has cancer and has a lot of bills. She wanted tips on how to afford to go.

I was shocked at the number of people who said not to pay the bills or only $5 a month and go to Disney.

I commented that I’m a cancer survivor and I have a lot of bills, but those get paid first. Dang, I got raked over the coals for that remark.

I’m two years out from a stage 3 diagnosis. I’m healthy right now, but very aware that the cancer can come back at any time. I’m all about living my life to the fullest, but bills still come first.

Am I crazy? Thoughts?

Also, either the author of that post deleted it or it gotten taken down by the mods.

I would set up a payment plan with a low monthly payment and take the damned vacation. (Assuming that the bills mentioned are medical bills.)