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Why I Want to Get a Degree

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Reasons for getting a degree

Since many of you wondered why I want to get a bachelor’s degree in photography, I thought I’d explain my reasoning a bit more. However, nothing is set in stone and I’m still pondering whether or not this is the right move for me. I appreciate all of your comments and advice as I consider my options!

Why Do I Want to Get a Degree When Wedding Photography Doesn’t Require One?

I definitely agree that you don’t need a degree to be a wedding photographer. However, I want to work towards a degree as a backup plan in case this business venture doesn’t work out. We live near a few tourist attractions that have destination weddings, but I’m still not 100% sure that the business will succeed.

I totally agree with the people who commented and said that the rise of high-quality phone cameras has reduced the need for professional photographers. Although I think there are enough destination weddings in this area to support a photography business, I don’t want to put all of my eggs in that basket!

Getting a Degree as a Backup Plan

Paired with my writing experience, I believe a photography degree would help me get a marketing or office job after school if needed. Although you don’t necessarily need a degree for marketing or office work either, I’ve found that a lot of good employers require or at least prefer it.

I don’t want to miss out on opportunities anymore due to my lack of formal educational credentials. I’ve been able to make my way as a freelance writer without a degree. But I’ve definitely been passed over more than a few times because I didn’t go to college.

Although photography doesn’t seem like the most in-demand degree, several of my family members including my spouse majored in film or photography in school. They were all able to get good corporate jobs after college, so I’m not overly concerned about the marketability of the degree. But if I should be, let me know in the comments.

Plus, a more traditionally marketable degree like business administration or human resources would cost more. The affordable UK university I’m planning on attending only offers arts-related undergraduate programs. So to study business, I’d probably have to attend a community college for the first two years and then finish at a local in-state school, which would cost over $25,000.

Another reason I’m interested in this online UK university is because it offers totally asynchronous instruction. You can spend as few as 10 hours per week on your school work if you have a chronic illness or work responsibilities like I do. So I think I’ll still be able to do photography apprenticeships and build this business on the side while attending this school. I might struggle with a more rigorous schooling schedule.

Other Things I Could Do With the Money

Someone made a great point in the comments that the $15,000 I need for tuition might be better spent on equipment. I’m very lucky in this area because my partner studied photography in school and owns professional equipment already. We even have a collection of film cameras I can play around with. Surprisingly, some clients are still interested in old-school film photography, so I may be able to offer that as a niche service.

Another question I got was why I’m not using this money to pay off debt instead. Luckily going back to school shouldn’t disrupt our financial plans too much since I’ll be studying part-time. We should be able to cash flow the degree for the most part. Plus, my dad has generously offered to help pay for my tuition, and I may take him up on it.

Right now my spouse and I only have about $135,000 of mortgage debt. We’ve been aggressively paying it off for the past few years because we’re pretty debt-averse. But we’re comfortable devoting some of our financial resources to my education since it isn’t super high-interest debt.

Going back to school definitely isn’t set in stone. I’m still reflecting and researching to see what the best course of action is, so I appreciate your comments and suggestions!

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Actions You Can Take To Save Money

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Saving money is an important step to help you gain financial health and stability. Saving can also help you meet your financial goals. If you implement money-saving strategies that are effective, you can reduce debt, create a solid financial foundation, and secure financial freedom in the future. This article gives you steps to take to help you save money and improve your financial health.

Savings Through Conservation and Energy Efficiency

You can help save money by improving the insulation in your home. According to Discount Window and Door, around 30% of a home’s heating energy is lost through outdated windows. You can take simple steps like adding weatherstripping and window coverings to help lower cooling and heating costs.

When you improve the energy efficiency of your home, you reduce costs. When you make simple changes in your daily habits, you’re able to reap substantial savings on energy costs. When you turn off the lights and other electronics when you’re not using them, you can reduce the amount of energy you use. This also helps you save money on utility bills. Another way to save money on utility bills is to replace all lightbulbs with LED bulbs.

Shop Smart to Maximize Savings

When you’re shopping, use coupons, promotional offers, and loyalty programs to save as much as you can during the transaction. You can find these savings on household items, groceries, and other necessities. It would be best if you searched for digital coupons or apps that give you discounts on products that you purchase often. If you compare prices and shop around, you can get the best possible deals.

If you eat out often, you’re probably spending a significant amount of money on food. If you want to save money, you should stop eating out and prepare your meals at home instead. Not only will this save you money, but it can also be the healthier option because you have control over what you’re eating and how it’s made. If you plan your meals, you can stick to your list when shopping at the grocery store. You should also eat all of your leftovers as this helps you reduce waste and ultimately save money.

Put Your Health First and Save Money

According to Peace Medical, in the United States, approximately two-thirds of adults are considered overweight or obese. Maintaining a healthy weight helps you control cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. When you improve your health, you improve your overall well-being and save money on medical expenses. Regular check-ups and screenings help you identify and address health issues before they become more serious and more expensive to treat. When you invest in preventative care and maintain a healthy weight, you are able to avoid high medical bills.

Declutter and Avoid Unnecessary Expenses

According to COWs Mobile Storage, many self-storage renters have storage space in their own homes, with 65% of self-storage renters having a garage, 47% having an attic, and 33% having a basement in the United States. This suggests that many people have more belongings than their homes can accommodate. When you declutter your living area, you can organize it better and save money by reducing the need for storage units.

Another way to avoid clutter is to practice a minimalist lifestyle. This helps you reduce unnecessary spending. You should practice purchasing items that serve a purpose in your life. You focus on purchasing items that are quality.

Saving money is important to your financial health. It can help you find stability and freedom to pursue your goals. When you implement these practical actions, you can create a secure future.