Optimal Finance Daily · Friday, July 10, 2026
The largest contributor to the couple's savings is living with Jen Hayes' parents, which saves them $15,000 annually. For only $150 per month in rent, they avoid high living costs in an expensive area, making their three-year goal to pay off $117,000 in student debt achievable.
“Living with my parents, $15,000 per year.”
“Obviously, this is the biggest way we save money. If it weren't for my parents allowing us to live with them for only $150 a month, we would never be able to pay off our mountains of debt in just three years.”
“We live in an expensive area, and even a studio apartment would cost over $800 a month for rent alone.”