How to Plan to Return to College

As I start my Fall film school term, it's hard not to remember the various pro's and con's my hubby and I discussed when I made the decision to return to college and follow my dreams.
From the time commitment, to changes in our vacation plans, to the long term financial implications, my decision to go back to school was not an easy one, but it was an easy decision to follow through on.
Why? Because my husband and I were in the right place -financially, emotionally and otherwise- to make that choice.
And my privilege to do so doesn't come unnoticed.
Since returning to school I have met many women that tell me time and time again how "lucky" I am to have returned to school; but what they don't realize is that it wasn't luck.
My husband and I were planning from the moment we met without having plans.
Make no mistake, we obviously had plans. But our most important plan? To be financially sound to be able to make life choices...and having the credit to do so.
So let's go back to my choice to go back to school...
The first time you go to college and when you are under the age of 25, your parents co-sign your student loans. They probably have a house and money in the bank to ensure that your loan gets approved. Your credit and your money? Doesn't matter.
But when you're over the age of 25 and married? Guess what - it's just the two of you.
You both have to have good credit, unlike the first time around where it didn't matter.
You both have to have money in the bank.
You have to have at least one stable job/income.
And that's just the start...
Brittney Castro, founder of Financially Wise Women and  Chase’s Financial Education Partner shared a couple of simple tips to get you financially ready to go back to college:

• To build or fix your current credit score get a secured credit card. By paying one credit card on time and keeping a low balance it will help raise your credit. 
• Create a 50/20/30 budget: Spend 50% of your income on fixed expenses / save 20% of your income / and 30% can be your "vanity" fund.
• Be creative on how you cut costs and where you save money.

I don't regret for one second going back to school, but a large part of it has to do with the steps I took before I did.
What I've learned through my experience is that regardless of what my dreams are, the best way to enjoy the process is to plan ahead.