Chin up, hand out - Round 2

I like the analogy of juggling, it is so apt for how I am managing (trying to manage?!) my life right now. Sometimes I’m not just juggling, I'm juggling chainsaws, and sometimes they are on fire. Right now I’m finishing my last rotation of medical school, navigating the insane bureaucracy that is “onboarding” for my residency, unraveling a marriage, parenting a couple of scared and confused kids, planning a cross country move and managing my family’s finances in the face of no more student loan infusions.

The kids and I are moving to Asheville, NC right after my younger graduates from 8^th grade. I start my residency orientation 8 days after the last day for Portland Public Schools. My parents are saving my hide, helping me transport the moving truck and my car so that I can save the teens from what would certainly otherwise be a traumatic cross-country sprint. Their assistance is also saving me thousands of dollars. Moving is expensive!

Did you know that banks have loans that are specifically for doctors? I have applied for a mortgage with a great deal (low down payment, no PMI required, close before I start my residency) and I can FINALLY have some stability and start investing in my life again instead of living hand to mouth as I have for the last eight years.

I’m really proud to say that even in the face of significant financial hardship, I have managed to maintain decent credit. As you might expect from someone who has been broke but responsible, I now have what is called “thin credit” – I don’t have a lot of credit recorded and I have a high balance relative to my available credit. But I’ve paid my bills on time and I have a good track record.

I find myself just barely outside the qualifying numbers for the Doctor loan that will allow me to buy a home. I just need to improve my available credit margin and maintain a minimum reserve (about 2-4 months of mortgage payments) in order to re-score my credit report and hopefully achieve the 2 point increase in my median credit score that will allow me to qualify for the loan.

I’m hoping to raise a few thousand dollars more to help pay down the credit card and keep my minimum reserve at a level that will allow me to qualify for the mortgage.

I’ve been so grateful to everyone who has contributed to my “Getting to MD” campaign. It has made such a huge difference in my life. Every month, I get PayPal notices when people send me money and it is like getting a hug and a pep talk every time! I’m very conflicted about asking for more donations when I know my friends have already helped so much. If you have given previously, please know that I continue to appreciate your gesture.

I’m doing this second round of requesting donations in part because people have told me that they are happy to help and because I don’t have many options. It won’t be the end of the world if we have to rent a home instead, but if the only thing between renting and buying is asking for help, I want to make sure I've done all I can! It would be so, so great to be able to make this fresh start from a more solid place for my kids.

If you can add a new donation or update a past commitment, please click on the PayPal button on the top of the page. If you want to donate another way, you can email me at Larissa at northstarbirthdotcom and we can work something out.

Thank you so much!