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Today’s VETgirl blog is an interview with Dr. Jeremy Campfield, an emergency veterinarian from southern California. He’s a blogger for DVM360 at Death to Debt, and recently lectured as an IGNITE speaker at NAVC 2015.  In today’s podcast interview, he discusses his views on how to pay off the overwhelming, massive debt associated with veterinary school. Here, Dr. Campfield reviews a few key tips on how to pay off your veterinary school loans. Please note that Dr. Campfield is not a financial advisor, and the opinions expressed here are his own!

Money

Also note that we at VETgirl are not financial advisors, and have some different opinions on this – we follow Dilbert’s financial rules:

Everything you need to know about financial planning*

  • Make a will.
  • Pay off your credit cards.
  • Get term life insurance if you have a family to support.
  • Fund your 401(k) to the maximum.
  • Fund your IRA to the maximum.
  • Buy a house if you want to live in a house and you can afford it.
  • Put six months’ expenses in a money market fund.
  • Take whatever money is left over and invest 70% in a stock index fund and 30% in a bond fund through any discount broker and never touch it until retirement.

*From Dilbert and the Way of the Weasel, 2002

VETgirl’s philosophy? Be frugal. Cut your cable. Don’t pay for a data plan on your phone if you don’t have to. Get roommates. Stop splurging on Starbucks more than once a week. Before buying something, ask if you really need it. Buy the smallest house in the nicest neighborhood. Look at your interest rates. If your interest rates of your student loans are very low, yes, pay them off, but consider investing into a higher interest rate such as the stock market S&P 500 if it’s percentage is higher! Make an extra 1-2 mortgage payments a quarter. Make an extra 1-2 student loan payments a quarter (It will help whittle away at your debt!). When in doubt, seek a financial advisor (Skip the insurance requirements unless you have a family) who fits what you’re looking for.

And hang in there!

Good luck! Any comments on what you do to save?

Please note, VETgirl does not endorse the financial advice given in this podcast. When in doubt, please consult with your financial planner for information.

  1. Please note that Dr. Campfield is not a financial advisor, and the opinions expressed here are his own!

  2. I”m trying to get ahold of Dr. Campfield for something related to his kiteboarding interest.

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