(US only) How much student debt do you have and how do you manage it?

I don't have any now. I went to school on loans and birthday/holiday money my parents didn't let me spend, and most of dealing with debt was accomplished through choices in advance of incurring it.

I chose an affordable school, chose a major prioritizing practicality and job market demand, went to grad school for free as a TA, got first job in an affordable location, lived below my means, eventually bought a cheap condo where mortgage and taxes was less then rent in the area, using money saved put of my grad stipend as down payment, and paid my school loans off as quickly as possible over about 3 years. Went for early promotions, stored up some more money, put a down payment on a house in a better location, sold the condo.

/r/AskReddit Thread