Judith S asked:


I would really value your opinions and hope an objective veiwpoint might help us see more clearly.

We have to choose to stay-put in Maryland or move back to Florida.

My husband lost his job, and can collect unemployment (1st time ever). His skills are all in the construction/roofing trade. There are few prospects right now in either state. He is more familiar with the territory in SW Florida.

I am finished w/ pre-reqs for nursing school and can apply here or in Florida, however if we return to Florida, I pay out-of-state tuition for a year. I was considering taking out the full amount I can on my student loan, in case we need the money to live on.

We can stay here, in our leased home, the owner’s are more than willing to work with us, as this is property long paid for and inherited. However we were paying 1600.00 per month. Heat bills will be upwards of 200.00 till April.

If we move to Florida, we already have a place we foolishly, perhaps, put a deposit on. 500.00 per month, water included. The utility bill would be minimal, 60.00.

We were planning to move back to Florida in 2010, when I was finished w/ nursing school and my husband was going to start a small roofing company.

So, we are trying to be focused and make a wise decision. We can see pros and cons to each decision. So, I’m asking the senior community for advice- thank you and Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays to all.
gramof6 – thanks for the response, I would be attending Edison State College, the school I was attending before moving to Maryland. I’ts essentially a community college, which has been granted permission be State of Florida, to offer various bachelor degree programs, nursing included. I’d complete my RN associate degree 1st, to ensure the capability of earning an income.
Rocksist- interesting comment, the ironic part is, one bad storm, let alone a hurricane and my husband would be assured a job, whether actual physical labor or on the blueprint/estimate end. It’s sad that the misfortune of some (ourselves included) could improve the unemployment in Florida. Residential commercial construction has come to a near dead halt due to the real-estate bubble bursting, none of it had to happen, greed really mucked it all up.
Also in response to some comments/inquiries, no family to speak of, no support system.

first home owner loan