Eliminating student debt should be a priority for all borrowers. Student loans are a huge source of stress, and the interest adds up quickly. Paying off student loans early is a worthwhile goal, but aggressive repayment comes with a cost. A singular focus on student debt can cause borrowers to …
Should I raid my 401(k) to pay off my student loans?
Retirement seems like a faraway possibility… maybe even a dream. Meanwhile, student loans can be the nightmare of the present. Taking money out of a 401(k) account to pay down student debt is a real temptation. Why worry about a financial crisis 30 years in the future when you are …
Student Loans, Early Retirement and the FIRE Movement
One growing trend in finance is the early retirement movement, also known as FIRE (Financial Independence/Retire Early). People who subscribe to the FIRE mentality would rather save extra during their working years in order to secure a stable retirement as early as possible. In many cases, the goal is to …
Retirement vs. Student Loans vs. Mortgage: Which Comes First?
For many Americans, the three biggest financial challenges of their lives will be paying off student loans, buying a house and saving for retirement. Each one of these goals is a huge challenge. Meeting all three goals is even more difficult. Hitting these milestones is complicated by the fact that …
Parent PLUS Loan Repayment for Borrowers on Social Security
One of the fastest-growing segments of student loan borrowers is senior citizens. Many seniors worry that Parent PLUS loans will consume the social security checks they need to survive. Some face huge bills and major sacrifices. Others, despite their best efforts, find their social security checks garnished due to student …
Making Retirement a Possibility Despite Massive Student Debt
Retirement plans such as 401(k)s are built on the notion that workers can set aside a bit of money from each paycheck and expect to live reasonably comfortably in retirement. An essential component of this plan is powered by compounding interest. A little bit of money saved in your 20’s …
Student Loans and Marriage: Everything You Need to Know
Like it or not, student loans can have a huge impact on a marriage Student loans affect a couple’s ability to pay for a wedding, have kids, and retire Couples with student debt need to plan tax strategy carefully The Marriage Penalty for student loan borrowers is a real problem …