By Gary Reese
Faith Investment Services
You don't have to go to college to make a good living. Below are annual salaries, according to the U.S. Department of Labor: 
Electrician                 
$59,190
Web Developer                      
$75,580
Wind Turbine Tech
$58,000

Truck Driver               Massage Therapist                 LPN
$45,570                       $45,880                                   $47,050

Occ Therapy Asst       HVAC Technicians                Insurance Appraisers
$60,410                       $35,000—54,999                    $54,000-74,999

Auto Mechanic           Audio & Video Techs
$35,000-54,999           $35,000-54,999        

Having said that…
Young adults, age 25-34, with a college education were shown to earn more than their peers who had either no college or partial college (including associate’s degree and/or certificate completion.)  That increased earning capability needs to be offset by the economic disadvantage of debt.  There is significantly more debt accrued for higher education than for a certificate or associates degree.

According to statistics compiled by the U.S. Department of Education as of 9/30/18:
Average student loan debt: $33,310 
Total student loan debt $1.44 trillion 
Number of student loan borrowers: 42.9 million.  

According to a 2018 Student Loan Hero survey, 43% of college-educated Americans with student loans said they postponed buying a home because of their debt.  A recent survey of 800 student loan borrowers highlights the rising problem of debt in America. 1/3 of individuals surveyed said that money is responsible for tension and arguments in their marriage.  One out of every eight borrowers surveyed said that student loan debt directly contributed to the dissolution of their marriage. 

Take time to make a careful decision.  Weigh in savings of living at home. Consider deferring college until after military service. Find ways to earn and pay as-you-go.  Do whatever it takes to keep debt at a minimum.  If you have questions or we can help in any way, we can be contacted through www.myfaithinvestments.com.

Advisory services are provided through Creative Financial Designs, Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser.  Securities are offered through cfd Investments, Inc., a Registered Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA & SIPC. Faith Investment Services, LLC is independently owned and is not affiliated with the CFD companies.