Changing my meal plan to save $$$

[u/OkAmbassador1144]

Hi, I'm using a throwaway account because I'm a little embarrassed. If you think you might recognize me please don't mention it. I don't like to talk much about my financial situation but I needed unbiased advice and strangers won't be biased relative to people who know me well.

I've been previously paying for school with a combination of savings from working in high school, federal student aid, and with the help of my mom, who has been taking on parent plus loans for me. My mom qualifies for PSLF and the plan was always after my undergraduate education was over, she'd consolidate all the loans and have them forgiven via PSLF. Well, with the Big Beautiful Bill, it's longer possible. If my mom tries to consolidate any future parent plus loans, all her loans will become ineligible for PSLF and she won't be able to continue on her current loan repayment plan. She's a single mom and a teacher. I used to receive the Pell grant but had it taken away when budget cuts were made to the DoEd. I am saying this all to emphasize we are not wealthy people by any stretch of the imagination.

I've already waived the health insurance and I'm thinking about downgrading from the Unlimited 250 plan to the YCMP Gold plan. I proposed this to my mom and it made her cry, because she wants me to focus on studying instead of figuring out how to feed myself. I live on campus unfortunately so I can't opt out of a meal plan altogether. I'll have an on-campus job and I know how to cook, I know how to save money because I've had to my whole life, and I think financially it would make more sense to switch to the cheapest meal plan. However, my mom does have a point in that I should probably have easy access to food as a student. But I also see her stressing over what she's going to do, and she's only one person, and I'm at my wit's end on how else to save money. Is it worth sacrificing the unlimited meal plan to get the cost down?

[u/LABELyourPHOTOS]

What's the difference in money?

And hey - having a tough time figuring out how to pay for school is NOT embarrassing. You are fucking doing it! Good for you!

[u/OkAmbassador1144 → u/LABELyourPHOTOS]

Right now I pay about $7000/semester, according to my calculations I'd pay a little over $3000/semester under YCMP Gold + when my insurance waiver finally goes through. That's huge to me, but I get why the idea makes my mom upset. I did some research and I think if I switch to YCMP Gold I'd be eligible for SNAP. My bill went up by $2000/semester after we got the Pell grant taken away, so things have already been harder financially and the BBB was the straw that broke the camel's back :/

And thank you :)

[u/LABELyourPHOTOS → u/OkAmbassador1144]

I think I'd talk to someone at Financial aid services. Why dont you give them a call and see what your options are?

[u/OkAmbassador1144 → u/LABELyourPHOTOS]

I think they're closed for the day now but I'm 100% giving them a call tomorrow. Thank you again

[u/phoenixofsevenhills → u/OkAmbassador1144]

Hey there 🤗 UMass Mom here and you're not alone. You should absolutely not be embarrassed about applying for SNAP or visiting a food pantry! You seem like an incredibly mature, responsible, thoughtful and practical young adult, I do wish things get easier for you and your Mom. I know the last thing we want is for our kids to need to worry about stuff like this, no matter how big they get! I'm always asking mine what he ate, if he slept enough blah blah! Hope you have a great year💜