I will have $85,000 in student debt when I graduate from physical therapy school.

Some may say that’s not too bad compared with other PT students; however, this amount is still shocking to me. And I know that many of you reading this feel the same about your student debt.

Being passive about your financial situation can put yourself, your family, your future plans, and even your future patients at a deficit. Pressure to pay off an exorbitant amount of loans fresh out of school can drive you to trade some happiness by chasing the job that pays slightly higher versus accepting the career offer that you’ve dreamt of. Burnout is a topic for another day, but stress coming from money can directly affect not only the way you will practice, but your relationships outside of the workplace.

No matter where you are in your career, it's never too late to start holding yourself accountable (pun intended) for your money management.