cheap college health insurance student

Well, my paranoia was well founded. I was let go from my full time job last Monday, and I have to say, I haven't felt this relaxed in a long time. I'm getting antsy not working during the day right now, but I've taken the time to be constructive, and I've figured out that I've saved a lot of money just by being home this week. It's still terrible that I lost the job, but honestly, I feel like throwing myself a party. Probably a sign that I wasn't the right fit for the job.

I've taken the time to figure out what I want to do and to pursue something I've put on the back burner for 5 years: I'm going back to college for my degree. Not only will I benefit from deferring my student loans in the interim period of going to class, I'll be able to survive on my part time job while going to school full time. I'll be saving myself a lot of money by going to my local community college for my associate's degree, and I'll be pursuing that Biology degree I've been wanting.

Budget wise, things are a little tight, for obvious reasons. I have money saved from this last paycheck, and the part time job is giving me more hours right now.I figured out how much I have to work in order to survive and have a little left over, and they've been happy to oblige.

The only real worry I had when I was thinking about getting fired and leaving my job was health insurance. My monthly premium at work was 5, and I knew that I couldn't afford it. Indiana has a state health insurance plan that's income based, but I'd have to be off health insurance for six months, and with my condition, that's not acceptable. However, during my "exit interview," I was told that because of recent changes to the law due to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (an act also contributing to fixing the dismal roads around my home), my former employer is required to pay 65% of the premium on my COBRA insurance while I pay 35%. That isn't going to be a big difference between what I was paying before and what I'll be paying now. Thank God for that.

That being said, my old budget is out the window, and I'm going back to square one. One thing I did manage to do is to set up automatic bill pay with my credit card company and get the pay date changed to reflect when I'll have the money in the account to pay the bill. Most credit card companies are willing to do this, as much as I've found. According to one credit card company, Discover, setting up this automatic payment plan will also ensure that my APR (annual percentage rate) will decrease in the coming months. A huge bonus on that one.

Because my part time job is so erratic with hours, figuring out a budget is somewhat difficult. The library is becoming my friend, however, as there is plenty to read, and a general sense of calm. Being stuck at home right now without a job is irritating me by now, so finding something to do is very important. The library has a great resource section for finding jobs as well.

The one thing I will not budge on right now are my riding lessons. For the 0 a month it costs me, I will sacrifice what is necessary. Those lessons are the only thing getting me through the time inbetween. I realize that most people reading this will consider that to be a stupid move, but there are certain things in life that we consider essential to our survival. This is essential to mine.

Until next time.