Spring Break

This spring break, I learned how to shop for housing. After dodging sketchy neighborhoods, cougars, pets, and children, the final matchup was clear:

In the blue corner, a near perfect loft/studio, fully furnished. Leather chairs, a cedar kitchen table, and a full kitchen. It was the perfect bachelor pad. The rent: $900/month, including utilities

In the red corner, right across the street, one bedroom of a house owned by a couple. Barebone: a tiny ikea computer desk stations, an old mattress, and a grimy mirror. Rent: $500/month, including utilities.

The verdict: 500/month wins. It was a hard choice; that studio was amazing. I still remember how I felt when I climbed the stairs and was met at once with the whole room. It felt like a picture of my future, how I'd live when I graduate.

But I need to stay grounded. $400 extra a month isn't anything to laugh at. Over two years, that will add up to $9600 extra. Calculate a 6% interest on the student loans and the net result after ten years will be an additional $20,000 to pay off.

Sometimes, when I rationalize myself out of things I want, I wish I wasn't so good at math :)