How to pay the bills during law school????

[beach bum]

How is everyone planning on paying their bills and normal day to day expenses in law school? Given that we are "non-traditional" students, many of us have families and other expenses that traditional students may not have. Is the standard practice for those of us in our situtation to live in a ghetto while living off loans and the income of our spouses/partners? Are there other ways of making it through this time without living in poverty? I do not want to seem negative and I am just trying to realistically trying to figure out how I am going to go to law school and make sure that the needs of my family are met at the same time. FYI- I am married with two sons (7 and 8 years old). Thanks.

[mbw]

I decided to hold off applying for a year, and build up a nest-egg (essentially, we'll learn to live off one income, so that my income will go solely to said nest-egg.)  That, and my spouse's income, should provide adequate living expenses (we have four children, ages 5-11.)

Non-trads do have greater expenses, but in many cases, we also have greater resources. 

[cantwaitforuva]

I'm not non-trad, but I will have extra expenses. I'm taking out private loans to cover them.

[Papa Bear]

Non-trads do have greater expenses, but in many cases, we also have greater resources. 

Agreed; timing was everything for me. I sold my home and I'm sitting on those proceeds and borrowing the max with fed loans. I may not need to borrower for my third year - it depends on how I want to work things when I finish. I'm applying for in-state this summer (I just finished my first year), I'm working now while I take a couple summer courses, I take the bus and I go on very cheap dates with my wife.

Also, buy used books online: campusi.com. It's best if you search by ISBN, which you can get either through the campus bookstore or from amazon.

[Addendum Boy]

Save nest egg if you have time. Ride wifes income (this can be good or bad, depending on what she does). Cut corners left and right by living frugally (I won't have a prob with this because the wife is already frugal, she constantly gets on my spending, lol). Federal loans, loans, loans. Your American baby, act like it and accumulate that debt. If you own a home, can always take out of the equity line, but I think you mentioned in the other thread that you are contemplating selling it.

[PaleForce]

I'm hoping to take out just enough in loans to cover school + rent and my SO's income will take care of the rest.  I know this can be kind of a shaky plan (what if we break up, etc.?), but we've had many conversations about it and it seems to be the best way to go.  I don't want to go into debt over everyday living expenses.  I'm willing to for the rent, because I feel like that'll be my contribution for the three years I'm in LS.  It's hard for those non-trads who aren't married, but who are in a long-term relationship to figure this out. 

Anyone else in that situation?  What have you decided to do?

[snarkygirl]

honestly?  i will be getting help from my parents (eg living with them) and a buttload of loans.

[Matthies]

I sold my big house, bought a condo and I went part time and kept runing my small biz. I had no other option, I spend too much for laons alone to cover my lifestyle 

[betasteve]

Have a wife that works full time? 

[Ender Wiggin]

Have a wife that works full time? 

My wife works, but I still had to take the maximum allowable loans.  I don't know how anyone could make it with less than that.  I guess I could have taken a little less if she had insurance through work, but I don't see how anyone could live on just their spouse's income.