Student loan nightmare stories are becoming all too common. You may wonder how people get is such a huge financial mess. It’s quite easy actually. Just keep signing on that line without understanding the terms you are agreeing to and it will add up to one big expensive mistake. So keep these tips in mind before you sign.
Make sure you keep track of your loans. You should know who the lender is, what the balance is, and what its repayment options are. If you are missing this information, you can contact your lender or check the NSLDL website. If you have private loans that lack records, contact your school.
If you have extra money at the end of the month, don’t automatically pour it into paying down your student loans. Check interest rates first, because sometimes your money can work better for you in an investment than paying down a student loan. For example, if you can invest in a safe CD that returns two percent of your money, that is smarter in the long run than paying down a student loan with only one point of interest. Only do this if you are current on your minimum payments though and have an emergency reserve fund.
Learn the requirements of private loans. You should know that private loans require credit checks. If you don’t have credit, you need a cosigner. They must have good credit and a good credit history. Your interest rates and terms will be better if your cosigner has a great credit score and history.
You should shop around before deciding on a student loan company because it can end up saving you a lot of money in the end. The school you attend may try to sway you to choose a particular one. It is best to do your research to make sure that they are giving you the best advice.
Pay extra on your student loan payments to lower your principle balance. Your payments will be applied first to late fees, then to interest, then to principle. Clearly, you should avoid late fees by paying on time and chip away at your principle by paying extra. This will reduce your overall interest paid.
When calculating how much you can afford to pay on your loans each month, consider your annual income. If your starting salary exceeds your total student loan debt at graduation, aim to repay your loans within 10 years. If your loan debt is greater than your salary, consider an extended repayment option of 10 to 20 years.
To get the most out of your student loans, pursue as many scholarship offers as possible in your subject area. The more debt-free money you have at your disposal, the less you have to take out and pay back. This means that you graduate with less of a burden financially.
Never sign any loan documents without reading them first. This is a big financial step and you do not want to bite off more than you can chew. You need to make sure that you understand the amount of the loan you are going to receive, the repayment options and the rate of interest.
Be careful about accepting private, alternative student loans. It is easy to rack up a lot of debt with these because they operate pretty much like credit cards. Starting rates may be very low; however, they are not fixed. You may end up paying high interest charges without warning. Additionally, these loans do not include any borrower protections.
To stretch your student loan as far as possible, talk to your university about working as a resident advisor in a dormitory after you have finished your first year of school. In return, you get complimentary room and board, meaning that you have fewer dollars to borrow while completing college.
Check with a variety of institutions to get the best arrangements for your federal student loans. Some banks and lenders may offer discounts or special interest rates. If you get a good deal, be certain that your discount is transferable should you decide to consolidate later. This is also important in the event your lender is bought by another lender.
When applying for private student loans, you need to be cautious. Finding out the specific terms can be challenging. Oftentimes, you aren’t aware of the terms until after you have signed the papers. After this happens, you may not be able to extricate yourself. Gather as much facts and information as you are able to. Check with different lenders to make sure you are getting the best offer.
To get a larger award when applying for a graduate student loan, only use your own income and asset information instead of including your parents’ data. This lowers your income level in most cases and makes you eligible for more assistance. The more grants you can get, the less you have to borrow.
To make sure that your student loan money does not go to waste, put any funds that you personally receive into a special savings account. Only go into this account when you have a financial emergency. This helps you keep from dipping into it when it’s time to go to a concert, leaving your loan funds intact.
Making educated decisions about student loans is the best way to avoid financial disaster. It can also keep you from making a costly mistake that will follow you for decades. So remember the tips from above, don’t be afraid to ask questions and always understand what you are are signing up for.
