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.
Never ignore your student loans because that will not make them go away. If you are having a hard time paying the money back, call and speak to your lender about it. If your loan becomes past due for too long, the lender can have your wages garnished and/or have your tax refunds seized.
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.
Be sure your lender knows where you are. Keep your contact information updated to avoid fees and penalties. Always stay on top of your mail so that you don’t miss any important notices. If you fall behind on payments, be sure to discuss the situation with your lender and try to work out a resolution.
Pay the large loans off as soon as you are able to. The lower the principal amount, the lower the interest you will owe. Concentrate on repaying these loans before the others. After paying off the biggest loan, use those payments to pay off the next highest one. Making these payments will help you to reduce your debt.
Sometimes consolidating your loans is a good idea, and sometimes it isn’t When you consolidate your loans, you will only have to make one big payment a month instead of lots of little ones. You may also be able to lower your interest rate. Be certain that any loan you take out to consolidate your student loans offers you the same variety and flexibility in borrower benefits, deferments and payment options.
If you take out loans from multiple lenders, know the terms of each one. Some loans, such as federal Perkins loans, have a nine-month grace period. Others are less generous, such as the six-month grace period that comes with Family Education and Stafford loans. You must also consider the dates on which each loan was taken out, as this determines the beginning of your grace period.
To stretch your student loan dollars as far as possible, make sure you live with a roommate instead of renting your own apartment. Even if it means the sacrifice of not having your own bedroom for a couple of years, the money you save will come in handy down the road.
Student loans that come from private entities like banks often come with a much higher interest rate than those from government sources. Remember this when applying for funding, so that you do not end up paying thousands of dollars in extra interest expenses over the course of your college career.
If you want to make sure that you get the most out of your student loan, make sure that you put 100 percent effort into your school work. Be on time for group project meetings, and turn in papers on time. Studying hard will pay off with high grades and a terrific job offer.
If you are the forgetful type and are worried that you might miss a payment or not remember it until it is past due, you should sign up for direct pay. That way your payment will be automatically deducted from your checking account each month and you can be sure you will never have a late payment.
Be sure to get in touch with your lender right away if you feel as though you cannot make one of your payments. They reward proactive people by being able to help them more efficiently and provide more options. You may get a deferral or lower payments.
Keep in contact with the lenders you have during and then after school. If you have important contact information changes, or a name change, it is crucial that you inform your lender. This will help your lender to give you accurate information. You must also let them know if you transfer, withdraw, or graduate.
Loan forgiveness is available for many federal loans if you meet the criteria. Certain professions meet the criteria, such as teachers in impoverished areas, nurses and PeaceCorp volunteers. There are many other categories that qualify but you won’t know if you don’t ask. So take the time to find out which jobs offer the chance to have your loan forgiven.
Federal loans usually are the best choice. They offer fixed interest rates that won’t change which is a huge plus. Federal loans also offer more options for repayment based on your circumstances. They also offer special programs such as deferment or forbearance if you are unable to pay for a period of time.
Talk to a financial aid counselor a few months in advance. That ensures that you can consider every option before diving in. If you wait until the last minute, you may only be able to get loans with high interest.
As you apply for student loans, consider lenders who offer income-contingent repayment plans. Under these plans, your monthly payments fluctuate based on certain mitigating factors. For example, your payments may decrease if your household size increases. They may also change to reflect either a decrease in your household income or a decrease in the balance of your loan.
Private loans typically come with a credit check. This can mean that a young borrower may need a co-signer. Be aware that your co-signer will be charged for your loans if you do not pay them back. They can suffer the consequences of your poor choices or circumstances so try to avoid using a cosigner.
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.
