I'm doing almost the opposite. I'm wearing everything in my closet first (and taking daily photos) to help identify exactly what it is I'd like. So far, I think more dressy work tops, especially long sleeved. Maybe find a buttondown that works well for me. One more black cardigan (mine gets a tone of wear). Maybe another color in pants, like navy. less grey/black, more colors. :) And while I have nice black pumps this month, I want some dressy black oxford booties. But I don't think they are a wardrobe essential, just a wardrobe wish!

I love the look of the shabby apple dresses, but have never been confident enough to buy something! I'll definitely keep them in mind

I think above a certain amount (an amount that we are certainly above), it won't make a marked difference on our happiness to earn more. And what is more important in my life than happiness? That sounds so cheesy, I know it does, but I can't think of any logical reasoning to justify why I feel this way.

It probably helps that I don't spend a lot of time thinking about real estate, which, when I do start thinking about it, may complicate the picture. :)

Congratulations! It sounds like you have decided on this one?

I'm interested in CB's plans and how you guys will work that, because I know you mentioned you may not be in the same reason. This is mostly for selfish reasons, as we have been toying with the idea of a 1 year long distance marriage in our home lately. At first it just seemed plain crazy... but it might end up happening.

I feel the same way. I don't actually think paying it down would give me more freedom, because student loan debt is one of the most flexible kinds of debt there is. While I don't expect to ever need to, if you have a loss of income you can put it in hold for awhile. If I were to start school at least half time, the interest would be paid for me.

It is much more flexible to save the cash and have the freedom to do what I want with it. A $125/month payment is not a burden on us. The math works out in your favor as as well, at least assuming you are saving the money you would be using to pay it down (which I know is never fully true, but mostly!)

Sometimes I have a desire to pay down my debt, but I am just waiting until I know more about my future with T (re: house, babies, etc.).

We can win a free Ipad if we attend a financial planning seminar at my work! While I've run projections, I never really paid much attention to the results, because the horizon is so long.

I think opt-out vs opt-in is HUGE, and wish more companies did this.

Great post! I like to think that people are a lot less judgey of even those controversial expenses if the buyer thinks through them and really knows what they are spending and why. That is especially true for education. I think you mentioned you expect that an MBA could be a net loss in terms of lifetime cash for you, BUT you want to do it for personal growth and fulfillment. I think that is great! It is when people seem to be making choices without fully realizing the consequences that makes me cringe.

agree it is not ideal, but with a defined end point, it is livable.

I did a lot of long distance with T before we finally got everything set to be in the same city. I like to think I'd never do it again - but for the right reasons, I'm sure I would. Best of luck!

Great! Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!
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That's awesome that your family is able to be so financially supportive, and that CB and you have such a great joint game plan! Living with roommates, like both of you together? Or would you consider living in separate cities for a defined short period?

To MBA or not to MBA is something I've considered, but not so seriously at this point. I'm just starting to read and learn more about business on my own - someone with my education background can benefit a lot from that, while (I think?) you already have a lot of undergrad business knowledge. I assume I'll end up never getting one or doing it part time while working - which is a totally different ball game.

i respect your desire to go full time. You are paying for the connections in addition to the name and the education! If I ever were to make a drastic leap in fields to something that required an MBA, that is what I'd want to do too!