Delayed gratification?

[MoxieGrrl]

Here is my dilemma and maybe some of you out there have some suggestions or have gone through the same thing.....

I have a bachelor's degree in psychology. My grades were top of the line, and they helped me get a great job. The bottom line is that I only have a B.S., and the better jobs in psych need a higher degree. I fully plan on getting one of these, but I don't know which one would be better for me to apply to now.

A masters in psych only takes two years to complete. Job responsibilty significantly increases, the degree allows you to give therapy, and the pay is *much* better. A doctorate is 6 years, plus post doc (1 year, I believe). This degree allows you to be "in charge" of a unit, research facility, etc...and of course, the pay is outstanding. (FYI: You do not need to get a masters to get into a doctorate program)

My dilemma comes in that, well, I need money. 6 years (for the doctorate) getting only a $12,000 stipend won't really keep me afloat plus pay all my loans, bills, car payment, etc.... I plan on getting my doctorate eventually, but what if getting my masters is just delaying the inevitable and a waste of time that I could be putting towards a PhD?

Any thoughts/comments/suggestions would be much appreciated!