There is a debate about who should be expected to pay for Parent PLUS loans. Those looking at things from a moral standpoint might reach a different conclusion than those looking at it from a legal point of view. What isn’t up for debate is the fact that paying off Parent …
Should I Auto-Pay My Student Loans?
Setting up an automatic monthly debit for student loans is usually a relatively simple process with most lenders. Many even offer a slightly reduced interest rate as an incentive for auto-debits. Is giving a student loan servicer the authority to auto-pay student loans a good idea? In many cases, automatic …
Yes, Paying for College with a Credit Card can be a Smart Decision
There may be some debate about the severity of the student loan crisis, but what isn’t up for debate is the fact that student loans are becoming a serious issue for many Americans. As people learn the dangers of student debt, it is logical to ask: could paying for college …
Going to a Top School vs. Saving Money
For some, the question is do I take out student loans to pay for the top-ranked school or do I accept a full-ride at a state school. For others, the question is do I pay full tuition at the local university or save money by going to a community college. …
Student Loan Tips and Suggestions for Borrowers Still in School
I’ve been helping people with their student loans since 2013. Of the thousands of borrowers I’ve come across, only a handful have been worried about their loans while they still are in school. To put it bluntly, many people spend their time in school creating student loan problems, and then …
The Two Most Effective Ways to Eliminate Student Debt
Confession Time: For over five years this site has largely ignored two steps that can be taken that would help people dramatically reduce their student debt. To be fair, the things that we focus on, such as careful tax planning, finding ways to lower interest rates, and pursuing student loan …
Feeling Student Debt Pressure? Go to the Library
Spending time at the local library won’t make your student loans disappear overnight. However, it will help borrowers struggling with student debt in a number of different ways. Not only is the local library free, but it is an excellent resource in eliminating student loans. The many wonderful services of …
Personal Finance Lessons to Learn BEFORE College
In many ways college is the perfect environment for learning. Most students are on their own for the first time, and the lessons they learn, both in and out of the classroom will last a lifetime. Unfortunately, many recent college graduates learn some very expensive lessons too late. While millions …
Student Loans, Rent, and Retirement: How to Build Wealth and Fight Debt
Paying off student loans is an uphill battle. Interest rates work against you and loan servicers frustrate the process. Making things even more complicated is the fact that we do not pay off student loans in a vacuum, life goes on during repayment. There are other expenses, and far off …
Retirement Planning for IBR and PAYE borrowers
Planning for retirement always seems to take a backseat when it comes to dealing with student loans. In many ways the debts of the past make planning for the future difficult. The many variables of IBR and PAYE make planning even more difficult. At present, loans can be forgiven after …