Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “Planning for College”
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 …
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 …
When evaluating college options, it is easy to get sticker shock. Tuition and housing can cost well over $50,000 per year at many schools. Some are closer to $100,000 per year by the time all the costs of attendance get included. Despite the high sticker prices, many schools now fall …
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. …
