Advice regarding I-944

[optimusx 1]

I am a PhD student currently on an F1 visa, and my wife is a US citizen. I have been working on filing the necessary applications for adjustment of status from F1 to GC. However, I am sort of in a bind and facing a lack of information about experiences with filing the I-944, for someone especially in similar circumstances. The root of the problem lies in the fact that I own virtually no assets, basically living on a meager assistantship stipend. I have been studying in the US since 2015 starting with my masters, and have amassed a significant amount of CC debt while trying to compensate for living and medical expenses due to gaps in funding during grad school. My wife is also currently in grad school (supported by a TA position), and I can meet the federal income guidelines for AoS only if both of our incomes are combined. I feel like there is a high chance of rejection if I try to file my AoS application with an I-944 showing the state of our finances. Given the circumstances, I have thought about not filing for AoS, and instead just applying for OPT after I graduate. Once I get a job offer and have a better level of income, I could apply for marriage-based GC. I just wanted to see if anyone else is sort of in a similar situation and what you think, or at least get some advice.