How We Pay for School While Working Full-Time and Attending Classes Full-Time

I am currently in the midst of finishing up my Bachelor's degree, so I can start on a Master's Degree in the spring. In addition, my husband is going to the same university, working on his Bachelor's Degree. We both work full-time, raise a family together, attend classes full-time and keep up with our volunteer endeavors. Here's how we pay for it.

My husband works full-time as a Civil Servant, and does some work in the evenings on his off-duty time, as a mechanic. He also retired from the Navy recently, and has his military pension. In addition, he was given a Disability Rating of 50% from the VA for a service-connected disability, and that comes with a pension as well. He also takes advantage of the GI Bill benefits that he earned, as well as the Pell Grants that he is eligible for. This pays for his schooling and our living expenses and mortgage. I work full-time as a freelance writer after recently leaving active-duty. In addition, I am in the military Reserves on a part-time basis. I am also eligible for the GI Bill and Pell Grants, so I take advantage of those. This money pays for my schooling expenses, extras for our family, and unexpected bills.

In addition, we make sure to live within our means. We don't finance anything, especially frivolous items that we don't need. I do a lot of secret shops that pay for meals out and movies, so family fun doesn't cost us anything most of the time. We watch the sales at the mall, and buy shoes and clothing when they go on sale. We shop smart for our food, comparing prices and taking full advantage of the Commissary on base, where most food items are cheaper than out in town. We also shop in bulk once a month at Sam's Club, and stock up on dry goods and frozen food items that we need.

It has been a challenge to work, run a household, attend school and complete assignments, and continue our volunteer work at the same time, and finance it all. We just concentrate on our goals and make sure that we don't get side-tracked. Since we've been married, we have paid off our student loans, credit cards and vehicle loans, and now are debt-free except for our mortgage. If we can do it, anyone can. And as always, if you have questions about this or any other financial topic, seek the services of a licensed, responsible financial advisor or other professional.

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