Cube-Mate

The millennial workplace strikes again. I keep hearing conversations about our student loan debt and who is taking it seriously. My new cubemate just started paying on her student loans after a period of deferment. She’s just a year older than myself, but put off the loans for some extra time. I’ve been paying on mine for over a year now. Her total balance is at about $33,000, which I’ve heard is about average. I owe about $47,000 in student loans and even more when adding in my auto loan. 

This is her first student loan payment. I only knew because I heard, “ughs I have to make my loan payment today.” I asked her why she isn’t on direct withdrawal, which can save you in interest. She kept going on,  “I’m just going to be broke the rest of my life. I’m going to be in debt.” I wanted to point to my progress chart on my desk and say that she has no room to talk, but that would be kinda mean. 

It sucks that people get into a negative mindset. There are so many ways this can affect you. Not only in your work habits and financial life, but also your relationships too. Personally, I don’t want to be around someone who is such a Debbie Downer, but so is cubelife. 

Cracks in the Plan

On my way to work one day this week, a bigger rock flew out of a dump truck and right at my window. It didn't seem to make too bad of a crack, so I was hoping I could get a tool and fix it. Nope. I went back out at lunch and it had spread across the front of the car to about a foot total.

I called my insurance and the deductible is $500, so I didn't submit a claim. Then I called the area auto glass people to get quotes. I waited to hear back and mentioned to my mom about the price. We called a more local place and got it down another $20. I ended up spending about $220 on a new windshield. It sucked. No lies there, but what was good is that it came right out of my auto fund. I'll be putting money back into it as soon as I can. 

The whole week of work my new teammates are asking me, “Why don't you just move closer?" When things like cracks or bad weather happen I really consider it, but then when I hear about someone paying $800 a month for their apartment I remember why. 

I'll keep my car repairs and free rent. Thank you very much.