school supplies and tools

Student Loan Education and Resources

One of the biggest challenges of student loan repayment is getting started.  Asking the right questions is really hard when you don't even know where to begin.

The purpose of this resource is to provide a broad overview so that anyone can wrap their mind around the many issues faced when dealing with student debt.

Tip from the Sherpa: Try not to get overwhelmed.  Every borrower is capable of managing their student loans, but nobody can figure it out in a day.  If things get to be too confusing, bookmark this page and come back to it at a later date.

Image

Student Loan Repayment

Federal Student Loan Repayment Plans - The Federal Government has many repayment options. Learn how the different plans compare and how to find the best plan.

Student Loan Forgiveness - There are forgiveness plans for public service employees and forgiveness plans for everyone else. There are at least 12 different forms of student loan forgiveness.

Get Lower Interest Rates - Some borrowers are able to get lower interest rates due to financial hardships. Ohers can get better rates because they have a good job and credit score. Nearly every borrower can find a way to qualify for better student loan interest rates.

Principal vs. Interest - One of the hard parts about student loan repayment is having most of the payment count towards interest instead of reducing the principal balance. Learn why this happens and how to avoid it.

Taxes and Student Debt - A smart tax strategy can result in lower student loan payments. Mistakes can mean a larger tax bill and larger student loan payments. Smart student loan planning requires answering a couple key tax questions.

Department of Education Tools

Student Loan Repayment Estimator - Calculate monthly student loan payments on the various government plans.

Student Loan Database - The Department of Education's official record of all student loan debt, including loan servicer contact information.

Employer Certification Form - It is recommended that all borrowers chasing Public Service Loan Forgiveness submit this form yearly.

Federal Direct Consolidation - There is only one place to consolidate federal student loans... with the Federal Government.

Meeting Goals and Beating Student Loans

Digging Deeper on Student Debt..

Negotiate Lower Interest Rates - Lenders don't like lowering interest rates because it means less profits. The right strategy can convince companies to reduce interest rates.

Communicate Effectively with Lenders - Student loan phone calls are very stressful. Getting the right help can be extremely difficult. These 10 tips can lead to productive conversations.

File a Complaint - Sometimes things get ugly. Filing the right complaint at the right place can get positive results for borrowers.

Switch Loan Servicers - The government doesn't allow student loan borrowers to change servicers. The good news is that there are a few tricks to beat the system and get a new servicer.