<prompt> Human: Being a graduate student in the US, I get paid pennies on what my actual worth is in the workforce. My field statistics is in demand and will continue to be in 2 years when I graduate with a doctorate. I have no current debt, and I want to take on 3-4k of credit card debt so that I can eat out more, splurge on nicer clothes, and other smaller purchases for the next two years until I graduate. My thinking is that the increase in life satisfaction now is worth the temporary ding in credit, as I will be able to fully pay off this debt within the first paycheck or two. Is there a danger to this plan that Im not seeing?  <response>: If you were two months away from defending, I would say that splurging on a nice suit and a fancy dinner would be okay. But youre two YEARS away from defending.. At this point, a completed PhD is nowhere in sight. You should not be taking anything for granted right now. Keep your head down and focus. 