Student loans can help you achieve your dream of getting a college degree. But they can also get you in serious debt if you don’t consider all of the consequences before you borrow that money. Take the time to read up on student loans and how they can impact your future. Start with the tips below.
Start your student loan search by looking at the safest options first. These are generally the federal loans. They are immune to your credit rating, and their interest rates don’t fluctuate. These loans also carry some borrower protection. This is in place in case of financial issues or unemployment following your graduation from college.
If you are having a hard time paying back your student loans, call your lender and let them know this. There are normally several circumstances that will allow you to qualify for an extension and/or a payment plan. You will have to furnish proof of this financial hardship, so be prepared.
If you have taken a student loan out and you are moving, be sure to let your lender know. It is important for your lender to be able to contact you at all times. They will not be too happy if they have to go on a wild goose chase to find you.
Pay off your loans in order of interest rates. You should pay off the loan that has the highest interest first. This extra cash can boost the time it takes to repay your loans. There is no penalty for repaying sooner than expected.
If at all possible, sock away extra money toward the principal amount. The key is to notify your lender that the additional money must be applied toward the principal. Otherwise, the money will be applied to your future interest payments. Over time, paying down the principal will lower your interest payments.
Try getting your student loans paid off in a 10-year period. This is the traditional repayment period that you should be able to achieve after graduation. If you struggle with payments, there are 20 and 30-year repayment periods. The drawback to these is that they will make you pay more in interest.
It is best to get federal student loans because they offer better interest rates. Additionally, the interest rates are fixed regardless of your credit rating or other considerations. Additionally, federal student loans have guaranteed protections built in. This is helpful in the event you become unemployed or encounter other difficulties after you graduate from college.
To get the most out of your student loan dollars, take a job so that you have money to spend on personal expenses, rather than having to incur additional debt. Whether you work on campus or in a local restaurant or bar, having those funds can make the difference between success or failure with your degree.
You should consider paying some of the interest on your student loans while you are still in school. This will dramatically reduce the amount of money you will owe once you graduate. You will end up paying off your loan much sooner since you will not have as much of a financial burden on you.
To make sure that your student loan turns out to be the right idea, pursue your degree with diligence and discipline. There’s no real sense in taking out loans only to goof off and skip classes. Instead, make it a goal to get A’s and B’s in all of your classes, so you can graduate with honors.
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.
Starting to pay off your student loans while you are still in school can add up to significant savings. Even small payments will reduce the amount of accrued interest, meaning a smaller amount will be applied to your loan upon graduation. Keep this in mind every time you find yourself with a few extra bucks in your pocket.
If you are having a hard time paying back your student loan, you should check to see if you are eligible for loan forgiveness. This is a courtesy that is given to people that work in certain professions. You will have to do plenty of research to see if you qualify, but it is worth the time to check.
Don’t pass up the opportunity to score a tax interest deduction for your student loans. This deduction is good for up to $2,500 of interest paid on your student loans. You can even claim this deduction if you do not submit a fully itemized tax return form. This is especially useful if your loans carry a higher interest rate.
You need to make sure you understand all the requirements of paying back the loan. Some loans have a grace period, or can be granted a forbearance and other options for different circumstances. Know your options and what expectation the lender has. Obtain this information prior to signing any documents.
Pay Off Student Loans
Your career choice may help you with student loan repayment. For example, if you become a teacher in an area that is low-income, your federal loans may be canceled in part. If you go into health care, your debt may be forgiven if you work in under-served areas. Lawyers who provide pro-bono work or work in non profit organizations may be able to get grants to pay off student loans. Peace Corp and Ameri-Corp volunteers and some others may be able to have loans forgiven.
