What are you paying for the Cougar? Are you splitting time?
On a limited basis, I think splitting time (safety pilot) is a great way to save money and still expand your knowledge base.
Where are going for your CFI? I know, that's why you posted in the first place...hehe. Since ATP quit doing off the street CFI's, there has been a lot of searching around for a good CFI school to recommend.
Are there any local flying clubs or partnerships you could get involved with for cheap flying. All you need is a little 150 to build time.
Getting your CFI is the biggest thing. You won't have any trouble getting a CFI job once you seperate. You might be poor for six months to build time towards a regional. And that's worst case scenario. I'd do what I can to minimize debt so you can seperate and still afford to live for a bit as a CFI. Even if it means doing very little flying for now and focusing on it more in a year to year and a half.