Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “Planning for College”
Anyone considering borrowing a student loan should understand the student loan life cycle. A second-year undergrad’s financial concerns are much different from those of a borrower in their tenth year of repayment. However, student loan choices made early on in the student loan life cycle have both immediate and lasting …
In the United States, the average annual household income is around $65,000. Meanwhile, the average cost of college in the U.S. is approximately $35,000 per student per year. The growing cost of tuition can place an overwhelming hardship on families wishing to send their children to college. However, planning ahead …
Many students and families have wisely realized that borrowing student loans can be dangerous and that student debt carries many long-term financial risks. However, avoiding student debt at all costs comes with its own set of concerns. When paying for college, the ultimate goal should be paying for school in …
Shopping around for private student loans is essential. I say that as someone who is not a fan of private student loans. However, I recognize that each year families depend upon banks and lenders to pay for school. Because I accept this reality, I try to help borrowers make informed …
If you need a private student loan, it is essential to find the right cosigner. Most college students will need the help of a cosigner to get a private loan. However, selecting the wrong cosigner can cause future financial troubles and jeopardize a meaningful relationship. Though there are hurdles to …
In most student loan reviews, I focus on terms like interest rates, repayment length, and cosigner requirements. Reviewing Stride Funding’s Income Share Agreement (ISA) presents some unique challenges. ISAs are still in their infancy. The newness of ISAs requires me to first discuss income share agreements generally and how income …
Earning some extra money during college to pay down student loans can be a brilliant move. The little steps and small payments made during school can have lasting benefits. While there is no single ideal strategy, there are many approaches that students can use to get a leg up on student …
Most parents are happy to make sacrifices for their children. Many parents won’t hesitate to withdraw funds from their 401(k) to help their children pay for college. Unfortunately, the drive to provide for the next generation can lead to major financial mistakes. The Harm in Withdrawing Money from a 401(k) …
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 …
