- #1
EulersFormula
- 28
- 0
I am a senior undergrad who will be enrolling in a PhD program next semester. I haven't decided yet on the exact program, but the offers that I have received guarantee an average stipend of about $22,000 per year. I believe health insurance is also included in most packages (although I will likely pay $100 deductibles each month for a prescription).
I am fortunate enough that I will have zero debt after I graduate. Now that I am about to enter graduate school, I have started thinking about ways to manage my future budget and maybe even invest my money. Although the stipends are low, I have heard that a little bit goes a long way when you begin investing early. I am sure that I will also need a savings account to draw from when conference travel and textbook expenses come up.
When you account for tax reductions, the possible costs of rent, transportation, groceries, and other expenditures, there isn't exactly a ton of money to spare with this living stipend. I am wondering if other grad students have experienced success at creating savings accounts or investing in the stock market while living on a PhD stipend.
Although I would love to learn more about stock trading, it seems like a time consuming practice which may not be practical for my lifestyle. It also costs money to seek out expert advice. Has anybody else found a good balance? Or am I doomed to break-even for the next five years of my life? I don't expect to get rich in grad school, but it would be nice to have some assets.
I am fortunate enough that I will have zero debt after I graduate. Now that I am about to enter graduate school, I have started thinking about ways to manage my future budget and maybe even invest my money. Although the stipends are low, I have heard that a little bit goes a long way when you begin investing early. I am sure that I will also need a savings account to draw from when conference travel and textbook expenses come up.
When you account for tax reductions, the possible costs of rent, transportation, groceries, and other expenditures, there isn't exactly a ton of money to spare with this living stipend. I am wondering if other grad students have experienced success at creating savings accounts or investing in the stock market while living on a PhD stipend.
Although I would love to learn more about stock trading, it seems like a time consuming practice which may not be practical for my lifestyle. It also costs money to seek out expert advice. Has anybody else found a good balance? Or am I doomed to break-even for the next five years of my life? I don't expect to get rich in grad school, but it would be nice to have some assets.