Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “Planning for College”
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 …
Choosing the right college is a critical step in avoiding a student loan nightmare. Expensive doesn’t always mean better, and going to the “best” school isn’t always the best investment. If graduate school is in your future, saving money on your undergraduate education is a really smart move. Before sharing …
As more families start to recognize the severity of the student loan crisis and the danger of student debt, more and more are taking steps to avoid student loans. While this trend is mainly positive, some families may be taking things a bit too far. I’ve heard from several students …
Finding the best possible student loan doesn’t have to take long, but it does require some thought. This purpose of this guide is to help borrowers identify the best student loan for their particular circumstances. Some loans are objectively terrible, while others might be the necessary tool to fund an …
As the cost of college continues to rise, many families need to borrow money to pay for school. Two popular options are utilizing a Home Equity Line of Credit, or HELOC, and Parent PLUS loans offered by the federal government. When comparing Parent PLUS loans to a HELOC, many important …
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 …
