Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “Planning for College”
Over the years, I have gotten many heartbreaking emails from readers. Frequently, these emails come from student loan cosigners who feared they made a mistake. At its core, cosigning is a selfless decision. The cosigner receives no benefit, takes on tremendous risk, and helps a loved one afford college. Sadly, …
With each passing year, paying for college becomes more difficult. High tuition prices have made getting a degree without debt nearly impossible. For many students, the target is to get a degree with minimal student debt. Leaving school with affordable and manageable debt levels requires careful planning. The students who …
Dealing with undergraduate student loans can be tricky during grad school. The transition from undergrad to graduate school often includes attending a new school, a break between classes, and employment changes. These adjustments can make managing student loans complicated. The good news for most grad students is that many of …
Any parent with a child about to head off to college should be concerned about student debt. Used properly, student loans are an excellent tool for further educational opportunities and to build a better future. Used improperly, student loans are a recipe for financial hardship. Student loans are easy to …
A parent trying to help her child find student loans to cover the remaining cost of school sent us the following email: My son has taken out subsidized and unsubsidized federal loans, and he has much in scholarship and grant money. He still needs about 14K for the school year. …
To the average college student, the comparison of federal vs. private student loans may seem insignificant. To a borrower trying to repay their student loans, the differences between federal and private loans are critical. Borrowers who take a few minutes to compare these two loan types can potentially save thousands …
hen we think about college, it is often in the context of our dreams. Seeing a child reaching their potential can be a dream come true for a parent. Unfortunately, the harsh reality of the dream is that planning and paying for college can be a major hardship. Sadly, many …
Borrowing over $100,000 in student loans is a huge decision. Many students and their parents make the mistake of signing whatever document a lender or school puts in front of them. They assume that the high-priced “dream school” education will be worth the debt. As more and more students rack …
Banks and lenders love having people cosign student loans and refinance loans, but borrowers and their families should think twice. When someone cosigns a loan, they agree to be legally responsible in the event that the original borrower fails to pay off the loan. Many cosigners assume that if the …
When it comes time to find the money for your child’s education, many parents face a difficult decision: Do I get a Parent PLUS loan in my name, or do I co-sign for a private loan in my child’s name? The best decision will vary from family to family and …
