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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.

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

Getting Married
Marriage can have huge consequences for student loan borrowers. Make sure saying "I do" doesn't mean a student loan disaster.
Buying a House
Student Debt is a major hurdle for many potential home-buyers. Using the right strategy, student loan borrowers can get qualify for a mortgage.
Saving for Retirement
Money can either pay down debt or get saved for retiment. Learn how to make each dollar go as far as possible.
Paying Off Credit Card Debt
Credit card interest rates can be worse than student loan interest rates. Balancing credit card payment and student loan payments isn't easy but it can be done.

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.

Refinancing student loans is a great way to get interest rates lowered and to get the debt paid off faster.

Refinance Rankings and Reviews - Compare lenders, interest rates and learn how to find the best lender for any situation. Over 20 different companies are reviewed and compared.

Student Loan Refinance Rates - The lowest advertised rate for most lenders is a 5-year variable-rate loan. Borrowers looking for lower payments often choose a longer repayment length with the security of a fixed-rate loan. See the lenders offering the lowest rates in eight different loan categories.

Refinance with a Clear Strategy - Refinancing does not have to be all or nothing. Be smart about only including the loans that are improved by the refinance process.

Multiple Refinance Planning - Unlike refinancing a mortgage, there is no cost to student loan refinancing. Credit score improvements or a raise at work can be an opportunity for a second or a third refinance to get even lower rates.

Planning and Paying for College - Higher education has never been more expensive. Learn how to evaluate schools and avoid student loan mistakes.

Parent PLUS Loans vs. Private Loans - Many parents will have to decide between borrowing a Parent PLUS loan or cosigning a private loan. This seemingly minor decision can have major consequences.

Parent PLUS Loan Repayment - Parent PLUS loans are federal loans, but they come with some major limitations. At times parents must take extra steps to qualify for preferred repayment plans or student loan forgiveness.

Cosigner Removal - Many parents cosign loans for their children. When the children graduate and get jobs, it is possible to get the parents removed from the loan.

Living on Social Security - Many seniors have their Social Security checks garnished due to student debt. These garnishments are avoidable for borrowers in all income brackets.