In graduate school I lived on credit, paying for everything from food to rent with plastic. I also had a British boyfriend who lived across the pond. In a couple moments of emotional desperation, I flew to him despite the costly last-minute airfare.

And when we met each other in Spain for a budgeted vacation, I used a payphone on the beach in Marbella to call MBNA in the States for get an additional $1,000 in credit to extend my trip across the straights to North Africa.

Are my master's degree and travelers tales worth the thousands of dollars of interest I've paid since? Are they worth the $180 minimum monthly payment that could have built a comfy nest egg by now? I'll have to say no.

For the past year I've been budgeting down to the dollar, restricting nights out in favor of paying down debt and saving money. My goal is financial independence from Rob. We keep our money separate, pay our own debts, and contribute to rent and household bills according to our income. I have been living paycheck to paycheck, meeting my obligations with no room to spare. Rob, who earns much more, has disposable income and is the household safety net.

Last month with a few strokes of my pen I paid off my last credit card balance. Victory! I've also I've built up a bit of savings. Of course, putting the required "first, last, and security" down on an apartment will blow all that. And in leaving Rob I sacrifice my safety net. Can't. Get. Ahead.