Paying off my debt was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. But did it make me regret taking out loans? Nope! Find out why I don’t regret getting into student loan debt.
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Student loan debt sucks. Any debt sucks really.
Debt can cause you to feel so much stress, anger, fear, and regret. All of these feeling are very understandable.
However, when I graduated with student loan debt, I tried to be positive about it. I tried to avoid wallowing in my financial situation…a situation that I had brought on myself.
Instead, I thought about all the amazing things I was able to experience and achieve thanks to my loans.
I don’t regret my $125,181 of student loan debt. Not a dollar of it. Here’s why:
1. It allowed me to go to the college of my dreams
I wanted to go to the University of Michigan ever since I was 10 years old. And while I fulfilled my childhood dream, it also happened to be the perfect college for me. The school was large and the opportunities endless. I’m so grateful for my time at college because those experiences shaped my life.
2. It helped me get internships
My debt helped me attend U of M which helped me get incredible internships each summer. Those internships helped me pick my college major.
3. It helped me get a really awesome job
Without college, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to intern, and I wouldn’t have a job (yup, I got a job where I did my very first internship). Without a job, I’d have no money (and probably be pretty bored).
4. In a weird way, it helped me meet my husband
I met my husband in college. So, thanks debt.
5. My parents didn’t have to pay tons of money for me to get an education
It’s kind of nice knowing that my parents didn’t have to pay that much towards my education. I’d rather they spend their hard earned money on themselves rather than me.
6. I know SO.MUCH.MORE. about money
My immense debt taught me to be responsible with money. The process of paying off my loans taught me how to better manage my money.
I really don’t know what my relationship with money would be if I didn’t have these loans. I had to learn how to budget, plan, sacrifice, and work hard because of these loans. Honestly, those are just some life skills that my debt forced me to learn.
7. It renewed my love of money and personal finance
I wanted to work at McDonalds as a kid. My 5-year old self was so envious of the cashiers who got to touch and count money all day long (I was pretty jealous of all fries they got to eat too). I’ve loved money every since I can remember.
When I was in debt and trying to figure out how to pay it off, I read countless money blogs, listened to many financial podcasts, and had great money conversations because of these loans. My journey out of debt made me passionate about money again.
8. It helped me learn compassion for others in bad financial situations
I know I had six figures of debt, but I genuinely would consider myself extremely lucky. I grew up never wanting anything. It’s hard to be compassionate for others when you’ve never walked in their shoes. However, with this debt, I know how hard it is to be broke. I know what it’s like to have pennies in your bank account. I know what it’s like to feel utterly hopeless. I know that my experience with debt has made me a more compassionate, caring, and better person.
Related Content:
- What NOT to Say to Someone in Debt
- My Debt Story: How I paid off $125,181 of student loan debt
9. It led me to starting this blog
Starting this blog has been such a fun experiment. It’s turned into a hobby that I hope one day will turn into a money making side hustle.
10. It made me confident
If I can pay off six figures of student loan debt, I can do anything. I didn’t have mommy or daddy bail me out. I did this myself. And dam, I’m proud. I’m confident.
But would I do it all over again?
Oh yes, without a doubt.
I would pay $125k all over again for the opportunities I’ve had. My life would be so different if I hadn’t been able to take out loans to pay for a college education.
I’m grateful, not regretful.
Do you regret your debt? Did anything good come out of it?
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