This last week, Chad’s Dental School held an Armed Forces Day so we went & got to run around and play with fellow students & military families. I don’t think I’ve talked much about Chad being in the Army – because it really hasn’t affected us much yet.
Presley didn’t like the Army tank…. |
When Chad decided he wanted to become a Dentist, we were amazed at how expensive schooling is. On average, 4 years of Dental School tuition, supplies, and living expenses end up being close to 500k. Top that off with buying into a practice, and it is very possible that before even generating any income, you are ONE MILLION dollars in debt. That was a cause of a lot of stress for us as we were trying to decide what we would do after Dental School, the things we wanted to accomplish & the lifestyle we wanted to be able to live. After doing a lot of research & talking to a lot of different Dentists, Dental Students & recruiters – we decided to try and join a branch of the Military. The military offers Scholarships for students (All school expenses included) plus a monthly living stipend – in exchange for a job as soon as you graduate. We felt like it had our name all over it.
I know Presley isn’t paying attention in this picture, but my heart flutters at Chads face. He’s so stinking handsome. Not sure how I got to lucky to have such a handsome, hard worker as my husband. |
Funny ‘concentrating on balancing’ face |
Instead of Chad graduating with half a million dollars in debt, he will graduate almost completely debt free. We are working extremely hard to not borrow any money from the school & to live solely on the small stipend the Army gives us. Instead of buying into a practice, Chad will be automatically put into a job & start earning a Dental income. We truly feel like 500k is worth 4 years of paid work with the Army. We are so thankful that Chad was accepted into the program, & that it allows me to stay home with Presley, in a rental home that is large enough for us to enjoy a garage, backyard & guest room. We are strict with the stipend we receive, we price match, coupon & I have a small Etsy business to help. We don’t shop (except for the quarter sale), I thrift for decorations & we don’t go out much….but it’s such a small sacrifice compared to the life we are hoping to enjoy once Chad is a dentist.
( This was one of those hilarious moments, I wish I would have recorded. Grant (10m) started trying to get Presley & she stuck her arms behind her back & raced off. Peeking back & playing hard to get. Until another Toddler girl came into the picture – then she turned around raced to get to him first. We were hysterically laughing watching this unfold. )
So, there is our story. Chad loves being a part of the Army & the community is has provided him. We are so thankful that I am able to stay home & so glad we don’t have to worry about paying off debts and student loans for 20 years after Chad becomes a Dentist.
Taylor Hoffman says
I am so glad you talked about this! I am graduating college next week and will be attending medical school and the army/navy scholarship is the only way I think I will be able to pay for it. It is good to know that it helps! Love your blog!
xo, Taylor
http://taymeetsworld.blogspot.com
Miranda Ronevich says
Wow Tausha, that’s awesome that it has worked out that way for you all! I can’t tell you enough how those three photos of Presley playing hard to get made me crack up!
Annie Sandmeier says
I remember reading about Chad being away at basic training but couldn’t figure out how that was related to dental school–you guys are genius!! My hubby and I actually met when he was on his 2-week leave from Afghanistan, so the first 5 months of our relationship was (very) long distance.. Army life is tough but boy are there some great advantages (like the satisfaction you get from serving your country–and getting school paid for :D)!! I was very fortunate in that I never had to take out school loans but I know a lot of people who have and it sounds like they are not fun to pay back.. I’m glad you guys don’t have to stress out about it!