How would they know.

[America's Anchorman]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hi, long-time lurker and until now I have always been able to find answers to my questions.

For personal reasons regarding changes in my living situation, my residency income isn't enough and there isn't a simple solution to fix it since my program does not allow moonlighting. Based on moonlighting jobs I have been browsing in my city, it appears I could make $800-1000 per shift. If I could work just one of these shifts per month that would make things financially possible until I complete residency (which is several years away).

My question is: how could my residency program catch me moonlighting externally? I have been looking at jobs doing disability physicals about an hour and a half away that provides malpractice insurance with an hourly rate of $120. My program just states moonlighting is not allowed but doesn't specifically outline the result if one is caught. It seems like it is highly unlikely my program would ever find out. The only two avenues I can think of where they might find out is through word of mouth or if there was some type of malpractice issue. The first seems more likely since no physician-patient relationship is formed doing disability physicals.

I'm also thinking maybe my program just has a don't ask don't tell stance. I knew an ICU fellow (6 days on 1 day off) and almost always used his day off to work a 12-hour shift. The PD at that program knew but looked the other way because he violated both hours and days off rules set forth by the ACGME. Is there a way I can feel this out? Part of me just wants to ask them if I can ask a question off the record and see what they say. My other thought is just to moonlight and hope I don't get caught. It seems highly unlikely I would and if I do they're not going to kick me out of the program for that, that seems really harsh. Sometimes in life it is easier to ask forgiveness than permission. I'm in a non-primary care residency.

Any thoughts per ideas greatly appreciated.

Also, if you have suggestions about other ways to earn income, please be specific. Suggestions like tutor students does pay well but seems difficult to find a job like that and I'm not driving an Uber.

 

[werd]

if your residency program doesn't allow moonlighting, then don't moonlight. it doesn't matter how they would know.

 

[America's Anchorman]

if your residency program doesn't allow moonlighting, then don't moonlight. it doesn't matter how they would know.

Wow, thanks for the insight. Posts like this aren't helpful. As stated above, I'm not interested in your opinion. Additionally, what I do in my free time is really none of their business.

 

[Merely]

if your residency program doesn't allow moonlighting, then don't moonlight. it doesn't matter how they would know.

Lol this was such a worthless post. OP they might find out and if they do they might kick you out which to me is insane but you never know. Obviously if you could guarantee they don’t find out you should do it but you can’t so you’re taking a very big risk. You could ask the PD and see what he says if you have a good relationship and he might make an exception. Good luck.

 

[America's Anchorman]

Lol this was such a worthless post. OP they might find out and if they do they might kick you out which to me is insane but you never know. Obviously if you could guarantee they don’t find out you should do it but you can’t so you’re taking a very big risk. You could ask the PD and see what he says if you have a good relationship and he might make an exception. Good luck.

Thanks for an insightful post. The risk is low of getting caught but the consequence has the potential to be devastating. I know ACGME rules usually require some type of plan in place prior to removing from residency program but not sure if that applies to non-performance issues.

Its just so frustrating, if I could just moonlight once a month it would make my life so much easier. Without getting too specific, imagine the difference between working one day per month or literally turning your life upside down, primarily financially speaking.

Of course, I could find a job making 10-15 per hour, but then I would have to work multiple evenings and weekends just to make half. The insanity.

 

[anbuitachi]

Hi, long-time lurker and until now I have always been able to find answers to my questions.

For personal reasons regarding changes in my living situation, my residency income isn't enough and there isn't a simple solution to fix it since my program does not allow moonlighting. Based on moonlighting jobs I have been browsing in my city, it appears I could make $800-1000 per shift. If I could work just one of these shifts per month that would make things financially possible until I complete residency (which is several years away).

My question is: how could my residency program catch me moonlighting externally? I have been looking at jobs doing disability physicals about an hour and a half away that provides malpractice insurance with an hourly rate of $120. My program just states moonlighting is not allowed but doesn't specifically outline the result if one is caught. It seems like it is highly unlikely my program would ever find out. The only two avenues I can think of where they might find out is through word of mouth or if there was some type of malpractice issue. The first seems more likely since no physician-patient relationship is formed doing disability physicals.

I'm also thinking maybe my program just has a don't ask don't tell stance. I knew an ICU fellow (6 days on 1 day off) and almost always used his day off to work a 12-hour shift. The PD at that program knew but looked the other way because he violated both hours and days off rules set forth by the ACGME. Is there a way I can feel this out? Part of me just wants to ask them if I can ask a question off the record and see what they say. My other thought is just to moonlight and hope I don't get caught. It seems highly unlikely I would and if I do they're not going to kick me out of the program for that, that seems really harsh. Sometimes in life it is easier to ask forgiveness than permission. I'm in a non-primary care residency.

Any thoughts per ideas greatly appreciated.

Also, if you have suggestions about other ways to earn income, please be specific. Suggestions like tutor students does pay well but seems difficult to find a job like that and I'm not driving an Uber.

you log your own hours.. i think its a honor system. i highly doubt anyone will find out. as long as your moonlighting doesn't conflict with your residency stuff. make sure nothing bad comes out of your 2nd job, like no lawsuits. if you have a lawsuit or something liek that, i bet theyd find out and you'd get fired

plenty of surgery residents break 80 hrs but they just log 80 hrs.. so make sure no one sees you!

 

[Smurfette]

Usually you need proof of residency years completed and forms filled out by your residency program to get credentialed to work as a physician. Each time you change jobs, they will verify your med school, residency and subsequent employment history looking for red flags. I have no idea if disability companies require this or not like "normal" physician jobs do, but I would assume there is some level of paper trail to prove you are qualified. So if any of the usual verification forms hit your PD's desk, you'll be found out.

 

[America's Anchorman]

you log your own hours.. i think its a honor system. i highly doubt anyone will find out. as long as your moonlighting doesn't conflict with your residency stuff. make sure nothing bad comes out of your 2nd job, like no lawsuits. if you have a lawsuit or something liek that, i bet theyd find out and you'd get fired

plenty of surgery residents break 80 hrs but they just log 80 hrs.. so make sure no one sees you!

I'm really nervous about working in urgent care and definitely emergency medicine because of the associated potential problems. Disability physicals seems the way to go for those reasons. My specialty has most weekends off so I could easily stuck under the 80 hour and the one day off per week.

The real decision comes down to which strategy to utilize: ask for forgiveness if caught vs indirectly (aka off the record) ask if will look other way. Seems like doing both isn't possible. I'm kinda leaning towards the first.

 

[anbuitachi]

I'm really nervous about working in urgent care and definitely emergency medicine because of the associated potential problems. Disability physicals seems the way to go for those reasons. My specialty has most weekends off so I could easily stuck under the 80 hour and the one day off per week.

The real decision comes down to which strategy to utilize: ask for forgiveness if caught vs indirectly (aka off the record) ask if will look other way. Seems like doing both isn't possible. I'm kinda leaning towards the first.

the problem is if you do #2 and they say no, and you still do it, if you get caught you are screwed. but if you go with 1, it may be useless. or you may get lucky and they look the other way/ give you a 2nd chance

 

[America's Anchorman]

Just realized I posted this in Medical Student section. Probably would be better in residency section.

 

[America's Anchorman]

the problem is if you do #2 and they say no, and you still do it, if you get caught you are screwed. but if you go with 1, it may be useless. or you may get lucky and they look the other way/ give you a 2nd chance

yea, my reason is very compelling so I can see them telling me in an indirect manner its ok. However, if the PD says doing it is not advisable or outright says no, then he is aware and I feel like the conversation is no longer "off the record." My PD seems nice, but I've heard you shouldn't trust any PD further than you can throw them and you shouldn't throw your PD.

 

[America's Anchorman]

Just thought of this, maybe asking one of the chiefs about their thoughts regarding this idea first. They know the PD far better than I do. That might be the best way to ask the PD without actually asking the PD.

 

[DrDarce]

yea, my reason is very compelling so I can see them telling me in an indirect manner its ok. However, if the PD says doing it is not advisable or outright says no, then he is aware and I feel like the conversation is no longer "off the record." My PD seems nice, but I've heard you shouldn't trust any PD further than you can throw them and you shouldn't throw your PD.

Would you feel comfortable asking any of your coresidents their opinions on this?

 

[America's Anchorman]

Would you feel comfortable asking any of your coresidents their opinions on this?

Definitely, I have a good relationship with all my co-residents. I couldn't have asked for a better class to be in and the ones a year ahead of me seem to be good too although I don't know them as well.

 

[atomi]

Wow, thanks for the insight. Posts like this aren't helpful. As stated above, I'm not interested in your opinion. Additionally, what I do in my free time is really none of their business.

LOL. You know what confirmation bias is?

The juice is not worth the squeeze. Whether or not you agree with your program, you signed the contract. You abide by their rules until you are done or you risk losing everything. Period.

 

[anbuitachi]

yea, my reason is very compelling so I can see them telling me in an indirect manner its ok. However, if the PD says doing it is not advisable or outright says no, then he is aware and I feel like the conversation is no longer "off the record." My PD seems nice, but I've heard you shouldn't trust any PD further than you can throw them and you shouldn't throw your PD.

Just thought of this, maybe asking one of the chiefs about their thoughts regarding this idea first. They know the PD far better than I do. That might be the best way to ask the PD without actually asking the PD.

PDs are nice until they aren't. it's very likely they will protect the program over any particular resident.

 

[stickgirl390]

M1 here. Your situation is concerning to me. I know residents don’t make much compared to attendings, but how is it so little that you cannot afford your bills?

I’m not trying to be judgemental or pry into your personal situation; I’m genuinely curious. I have a lot of student debt, is that what is holding you back? Is this something I should be more worried about during residency?

 

[deleted480308]

It would likely be safer for your career for us to all discuss your budget and find a way you don’t need to moonlight instead...

Let’s go through the change that is causing this concerns

 

[colbgw02]

Apart from the privileging, malpractice, and bad luck possibilities, there's also insurance company credentialing. Someone from the billing office could figure this out.

 

[operaman]

Yeah I think odds of getting caught approach 100% for all the paperwork and verification reasons noted above. I can’t believe any employer would hire a physician without doing some sort of verification of their credentials so you will almost certainly be found out during that process.

I’m going to propose an alternative:

Talk to your seniors as you’ve already mentioned. Get a feel for vibe. Ask if anyone has ever done it before.

Strongly consider talking with your PD openly about this. They may be more receptive and understanding of your situation than you realize. You would have to be open about your financial struggles but they may be open to allowing you some leeway to get your finances in order. When you present the options as physician gig vs many more hours in another side job, it seems the most sensible thing would be to allow you to trial a shift a month or something and see how it goes.

Anticipate some increased scrutiny and you’d have to ensure you weren’t running afoul of work hours (though you have more leeway in how you log those). If it didn’t impact your work and allowed you to be a better resident, they may be open to it.

If it were me I would avoid the word moonlighting and simply say you’re in a financial pickle and need extra income. You can’t be the first resident with money problems; ask what others have done. I’d ask about side jobs people have done. Ask about disability physicals once a month or something as a side job rather than moonlighting. Sure, it’s the same thing, but sometimes the wording makes a big difference in how people react. Moonlighting May be against the rules but a small side job may be ok.

I understand the forgiveness versus permission thought, but in medicine that simply doesn’t apply. The stakes are simply too high when you start thinking about your career, patient care, institutional liabilities, etc.

 

[America's Anchorman]

M1 here. Your situation is concerning to me. I know residents don’t make much compared to attendings, but how is it so little that you cannot afford your bills?

I’m not trying to be judgemental or pry into your personal situation; I’m genuinely curious. I have a lot of student debt, is that what is holding you back? Is this something I should be more worried about during residency?

Excellent question. I'll try to be as specific as possible while still not exposing myself.

Basically, two income household becoming one with a house payment involved. Bought the house without a downpayment....aka physician loan. Will have to make an additional payment to others on a monthly basis. The main problem is no equity, so to resell would actually cost between ten and twenty grand, and obviously destroy credit. Basically, I have some cash in the bank now. Funds will be gone in six months at my current pace and I could last another six months if I cash out my retirement. This assumes that I don't have any major unforeseen expenses and continue eating rice and beans. In the event anyone is wondering, I can't possibly cut my expenses down any further. I keep my house at fifty-five degrees and sold my car so I didn't have to make payments anymore (bought a 2003 cavalier for 2500). Combine all these factors with losing out on tax benefits....meaning my net income will actually be less next year although thankfully the Trump tax cuts help some. Also, my student loans repayment plan kicks in which will also be higher because of smaller household size on taxes, it will be around $350 per month. I could ask for forbearance or hardship or whatever its called but that isn't the main problem.

The alternate solution is to walk away, let the bank take it back, but then my credit is destroyed and I won't be able to find another place to live because they'll see this when they run a credit check. I really do not want to do that.

 

[America's Anchorman]

LOL. You know what confirmation bias is?

The juice is not worth the squeeze. Whether or not you agree with your program, you signed the contract. You abide by their rules until you are done or you risk losing everything. Period.

Confirmation bias isn't applicable. I'm looking for perspective and thankfully there have been several posts that have offered it. Yours didn't offer any help. I also signed the contract that said I would be nicotine free, but enjoy a few cigars each week. Should I resign? Those were gifts, might get more for Christmas otherwise I won't be enjoying them for much longer.

 

[deleted480308]

If you have a license you are at least a pgy2. If you are thinking about urgent care or disability physicals you are likely fm or Im. That means you only have to get by for 1.5 years. Even without any new income or budget cuts you have enough cash to get by 6 months (1yr with cashing out retirement).

So you are close. If the other income is gone because of a breakup, rent out the other rooms in the house, problem almost 100% solved. If the person is still there but unemployed for normal reasons, they need to get back to work, any work, and scrounge up money by waiting tables/ubering/delivery pizzas/anything and you can find another $350/month with forebearance. You can also go to a number of tutoring websites or craigslist and advertise yourself as an mcat/step/comlex/anything tutor. You are a damn doctor and should have no trouble demanding >30-40/hr under the table.

 

[Med Ed]

Bought the house without a downpayment....aka physician loan. Will have to make an additional payment to others on a monthly basis. The main problem is no equity, so to resell would actually cost between ten and twenty grand, and obviously destroy credit.

Just quoting this for all the new residents who want to make money buying houses.

 

[atomi]

Confirmation bias isn't applicable. I'm looking for perspective and thankfully there have been several posts that have offered it. Yours didn't offer any help. I also signed the contract that said I would be nicotine free, but enjoy a few cigars each week. Should I resign? Those were gifts, might get more for Christmas otherwise I won't be enjoying them for much longer.

So you don’t know what confirmation bias is.
You only want to hear opinions telling you that it’s ok to lie and break your contractual agreement.

If you want to moonlight, you should have only ranked programs that allow it. This is YOUR fault. Grow up and own it and figure out another way to make ends meet that doesn’t involve unethical behavior.

 

[Merely]

So you don’t know what confirmation bias is.
You only want to hear opinions telling you that it’s ok to lie and break your contractual agreement.

If you want to moonlight, you should have only ranked programs that allow it. This is YOUR fault. Grow up and own it and figure out another way to make ends meet that doesn’t involve unethical behavior.

It’s unethical to ask his PD to make an exception allowing him to moonlight? Lol calm down bro, we can’t all be as ethical as you...you’re a rule follower good for you..some rules don’t make sense and can be bent a little bit as long as no one is getting hurt

 

[atomi]

It’s unethical to ask his PD to make an exception allowing him to moonlight? Lol calm down bro, we can’t all be as ethical as you...you’re a rule follower good for you..some rules don’t make sense and can be bent a little bit as long as no one is getting hurt

Nothing wrong with asking, but that’s not what I said. The OP was looking for validation that it was fine to break his employer’s policy. I would fire any employee on the spot that egregiously violates a specific rule like that. And I’m not the only one. If he’s going to break that rule because he thinks it somehow doesn’t matter, what other rules is he going to convince himself it’s fine to break?

You know, I don’t really feel like paying taxes on stuff I sell on eBay for profit. How would the IRS ever know? It’s not hurting anybody, right? Plus I really NEED the money. Yeah, good luck with that argument in federal court.

Sheesh.

 

[DK0828]

Nothing wrong with asking, but that’s not what I said. The OP was looking for validation that it was fine to break his employer’s policy. I would fire any employee on the spot that egregiously violates a specific rule like that. And I’m not the only one. If he’s going to break that rule because he thinks it somehow doesn’t matter, what other rules is he going to convince himself it’s fine to break?

You know, I don’t really feel like paying taxes on stuff I sell on eBay for profit. How would the IRS ever know? It’s not hurting anybody, right? Plus I really NEED the money. Yeah, good luck with that argument in federal court.

Sheesh.

That was one of the options the op listed, the only one you’re focusing on. The other was feeling out the PD and other lesser/non violations of policy. Most people focused on helping him find a workable solution to his situation.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN

 

[Lnsean]

What are you here for? You just want people to tell you it's okay.

 

[Merely]

Nothing wrong with asking, but that’s not what I said. The OP was looking for validation that it was fine to break his employer’s policy. I would fire any employee on the spot that egregiously violates a specific rule like that. And I’m not the only one. If he’s going to break that rule because he thinks it somehow doesn’t matter, what other rules is he going to convince himself it’s fine to break?

You know, I don’t really feel like paying taxes on stuff I sell on eBay for profit. How would the IRS ever know? It’s not hurting anybody, right? Plus I really NEED the money. Yeah, good luck with that argument in federal court.

Sheesh.

Wait you report income from eBay to the IRS? Lolll

 

[HomeSkool]

Looks like the OP (may s/he rest in peace) made some short-sighted financial decisions and then said, "They're going to think I'm a bad credit risk!" The fact is that poor financial decisions are exactly what make people bad credit risks, which means the OP is a bad credit risk and the credit-reporting machine is doing exactly what it's supposed to do. OP, if you're still reading this, your best bet may be to do a short sale on the home if your bank will allow it. Yes, it'll hit your credit, but not nearly as hard as defaulting will. Don't moonlight, though. If you got caught, it could cost you your residency spot and have far-reaching professional consequences.

 

[atomi]

Wait you report income from eBay to the IRS? Lolll

Tax fraud isn’t a little thing. PayPal/eBay will automatically report users with 200 transactions or more than 10k in sales to the IRS. They do this by law. Do people under this limit get away with not reporting their income? Maybe. Doesn’t make it ok.

Lol at you laughing off being a tax cheat.

Do you cheat on your take home Med school “honor code” exams too? “HOW WOULD THEY KNOW?”

 

[DO2015CA]

Tax fraud isn’t a little thing. PayPal/eBay will automatically report users with 200 transactions or more than 10k in sales to the IRS. They do this by law. Do people under this limit get away with not reporting their income? Maybe. Doesn’t make it ok.

Lol at you laughing off being a tax cheat.

Do you cheat on your take home Med school “honor code” exams too? “HOW WOULD THEY KNOW?”

Wait, they have take home honor code exams?!? I feel like my schools a cheat. Lol.

 

[operaman]

Looks like the OP (may s/he rest in peace) made some short-sighted financial decisions and then said, "They're going to think I'm a bad credit risk!" The fact is that poor financial decisions are exactly what make people bad credit risks, which means the OP is a bad credit risk and the credit-reporting machine is doing exactly what it's supposed to do. OP, if you're still reading this, your best bet may be to do a short sale on the home if your bank will allow it. Yes, it'll hit your credit, but not nearly as hard as defaulting will. Don't moonlight, though. If you got caught, it could cost you your residency spot and have far-reaching professional consequences.

After seeing more of the story I think the short sale is absolutely the right thing to do. The bank may even be willing to help if you approach them with your issue and ask to find a way to finance the difference and keep paying on it. I can’t imagine they wouldn’t be willing to work out a way for you to pay off the difference.

If you get out from under the house payment and move in with roommates you would cut your bills significantly. Alternatively having a room mate move in and split the bills would accomplish the same thing without the short sale.

So lots of options that don’t risk your future career!

 

[MSTPlease]

Do you have good board/shelf scores? If so, maybe rather than moonlighting you could tutor for one of the private tutor companies (not Kaplan, I mean small to mid size like Med School Tutors | 1:1 USMLE, COMLEX & Medical Test Prep or Home or a local one if you're in a city). The pay is definitely not $120/hr but it is in the 50-100 range, would allow you to work from home, and wouldn't violate any of your residency program's policies.

 

[Doctor of Democracy]

Wait you report income from eBay to the IRS? Lolll

Exactly....lol

Like anyone reports what they sell to the IRS. As far as I'm concerned. My income was taxed to purchase the item in the first place and I paid sales tax to buy, the government doesn't get to keep taxing the same stuff repeatedly. I guess we should force those with yard sales to submit taxes. Ridiculous....the self-righteousness of some on here amazes. They honestly do believe their own **** doesn't stink...

 

[Doctor of Democracy]

Looks like the OP (may s/he rest in peace) made some short-sighted financial decisions and then said, "They're going to think I'm a bad credit risk!" The fact is that poor financial decisions are exactly what make people bad credit risks, which means the OP is a bad credit risk and the credit-reporting machine is doing exactly what it's supposed to do. OP, if you're still reading this, your best bet may be to do a short sale on the home if your bank will allow it. Yes, it'll hit your credit, but not nearly as hard as defaulting will. Don't moonlight, though. If you got caught, it could cost you your residency spot and have far-reaching professional consequences.

Thank you for your insightful post. I just wanted to make one minor correction. At the time of the purchase, this wasn't a poor financial decision, in fact, we could have purchased a house worth an additional 150k but decided that was too much. The real problem is two incomes, one vanishes because of personal reasons involving separation. Suddenly an easily affordable mortgage payment becomes impossible. In other words....life happens.

Short sale is being considered in addition to maybe renting out a room. I'm just nervous about the latter because of non-paying tenants.

And my credit score exceeds 850 so its not like I'm an idiot regarding finances although it may be a little less since the mortgage and student loans, haven't seen official report in a lttle while.

 

[Doctor of Democracy]

What are you here for? You just want people to tell you it's okay.

I was here for honesty and perspective....which some people seem to be able to give. And others are holier than thou....good for them. I strive to be as honorable and ethical. Maybe one day I can make it to your level....lolz

 

[Doctor of Democracy]

Just quoting this for all the new residents who want to make money buying houses.

I wasn't trying to make money. Based on my calculations in an extensive excel sheet, I wouldn't have came out any further ahead than if I rented. The difference was +/- a few thousand. The real difference was having my own house and yard for my kids and the net end difference being the same....that was until life happens and things change dramatically

 

[atomi]

Exactly....lol

Like anyone reports what they sell to the IRS. As far as I'm concerned. My income was taxed to purchase the item in the first place and I paid sales tax to buy, the government doesn't get to keep taxing the same stuff repeatedly. I guess we should force those with yard sales to submit taxes. Ridiculous....the self-righteousness of some on here amazes. They honestly do believe their own **** doesn't stink...

When you earn income you have to pay tax on it. It doesn’t matter where the income comes from. I’m not surprised you feel entitled to bend tax rules and every other rule for yourself too. These are the kind of mental gymnastics that sociopaths and adulterers use to basically just use an abuse people for their own benefit all throughout life. Sad that so many grossly immoral people make it into the medical profession.

Cya troll.

 

[Doctor of Democracy]

When you earn income you have to pay tax on it. It doesn’t matter where the income comes from. I’m not surprised you feel entitled to bend tax rules and every other rule for yourself too. These are the kind of mental gymnastics that sociopaths and adulterers use to basically just use an abuse people for their own benefit all throughout life. Sad that so many grossly immoral people make it into the medical profession.

Cya troll.

Selling personal items is considered income? You can't be serious. Resold those MCAT study materials and didn't collect and pay sales tax and income tax? Well then you are a tax evading felon. You are the troll.

 

[Premed2295]

Am I the only one horrified by OP saying he wouldn’t have any relationship with disabled patient?

 

[atomi]

I wasn't trying to make money. Based on my calculations in an extensive excel sheet, I wouldn't have came out any further ahead than if I rented. The difference was +/- a few thousand. The real difference was having my own house and yard for my kids and the net end difference being the same....that was until life happens and things change dramatically

Lol. You bought something you couldn’t afford. Bet you have a ton of credit card debt pumping up a fake lifestyle and image. Not surprised to see a pattern of repeated narcissistic behavior.

 

[HomeSkool]

And my credit score exceeds 850 so its not like I'm an idiot regarding finances although it may be a little less since the mortgage and student loans, haven't seen official report in a lttle while.

I'm calling BS since the maximum FICO credit score is 850. And no, if you make resident money, can't afford home payments, and have substantial student debt, your credit score is nowhere near that. Furthermore, if your ex co-signed the mortgage, then s/he is equally liable and you still have two incomes going into the pot. If your ex isn't co-signatory on the mortgage, then your financial decision-making is...less than ideal.

1/10 for the good sob story, but a swing and a miss on everything else.

 

[Goro]

I'm calling BS since the maximum FICO credit score is 850. And no, if you make resident money, can't afford home payments, and have substantial student debt, your credit score is nowhere near that. Furthermore, if your ex co-signed the mortgage, then s/he is equally liable and you still have two incomes going into the pot. If your ex isn't co-signatory on the mortgage, then your financial decision-making is...less than ideal.

1/10 for the good sob story, but a swing and a miss on everything else.

That's because it's one of SDN's more infamous trolls, attempting a comeback. Reported.

 

[HomeSkool]

That's because it's one of SDN's more infamous trolls, attempting a comeback. Reported.

Yah but that >850 credit score tho

 

[atomi]

Selling personal items is considered income? You can't be serious. Resold those MCAT study materials and didn't collect and pay sales tax and income tax? Well then you are a tax evading felon. You are the troll.

If you make a profit you have to pay tax on it. I know these are complicated terms to a morally flexible person like yourself, but when you buy a texbook for $200, use it, then sell it for $100, that is not a profit or “income.”

But let’s be real, we all know you pirate all of your textbooks, because hey it doesn’t hurt anybody and nobody will find out right? Plus you need that cash for your $50/week Starbucks habit.