Student Loan Interest Rates To Rise July 1 2007
Thursday, May 31, 2007
As of July 1st, 2007, the interest rates on student loans are scheduled to increase. Although less than one percent, the resulting repayment amount can rise significantly over the life of the loan. So, college graduates can definitely use information on how to make student loan repayment less painful financially.
First, and most importantly, consolidate. Interest rates are locked in, once all student loans have been combined and assigned to one lender. So, graduates need to apply for consolidation before the deadline.
Unfortunately, while student loan interest rates are locked in at the lower level, the grace period is forfeited. Normally, the monthly repayment schedule does not go into effect until six months after graduation. So, an individual completing college in May does have to start making payments until November of that same year.
However, if a loan is consolidated before July 1st, chances are, the first payment will be due in August. Yet, a person may still have additional options to reduce the amount owed each month.
First, select the lender carefully. Even after consolidation, and the repayment process have begun, an individual will be inundated with offers from other lenders to consolidate with their company, and receive a better deal. Most will be junk mail, if the borrower has done his/her last homework assignment.
For instance, a lender may offer consolidation at the lower interest rates with added incentives, if the borrower is a good credit risk. From personal experience, a bank may offer a further reduction in the interest rate, after three years of regular payments. In other words, do not be even one day late in submitting a payment.
Also, some financial institutions may offer further reductions; if the payment plan is set up to automatically deduct a given amount each month. So, say the interest rate is currently 3%. The borrower sets up the student loan payments to be automatically deducted on the 15th of each month from his/her checking or savings account. Now, the interest rate has been reduced to 2.75%. Then, after three years of making regular payments, the lender may reduce the loan to 2.5%, or lower.
Only the borrower can determine which bank, and what incentives are right for him/her. Certain variables have to be taken into consideration. First, what is the total amount of the loan to be repaid? Second, is the loan going to be stretched longer than the standard ten year period, or will the borrower need fifteen or twenty years to eradicate the debt?
The best advice: even though a loan has been initially picked up by one lender, or several, during the course of a person's education, he/she is not obligated to stay with that particular financial institution after graduation. Many lenders will be vying for the loan, because it is good business. A lot of students are in the same boat, with a lot of potential interest to pay the winning lender.
The mail from financial institutions will be frustrating for a while, as each tries to convince a student their repayment plan is the best deal around. Thus, students must do one last bit of financial homework. Signing on with the first lender's offer can result in paying hundreds, if not thousands, more than is really necessary.
Also, every time the interest rates are scheduled to change, like this year, the mailbox will again be inundated with offers to switch lenders, and save lots of money for the balance of a student loan. Chances are, since the interest rates are increasing, not declining, the best option is to stay put with the current repayment plan.
If a better deal seems plausible, do the math. Despite the sales pitch, lenders are not out to do the borrowers any favors. Financial institutions make a lot of money from former college students repaying federal loans. Especially at the end of every school year, the push is on to get graduates to sign on the dotted line.
One HUGE warning: DO NOT default on the loan. All bets are off, if the borrower fails to make a scheduled payment. If an individual feels he/she may qualify for a hardship deferment, go through the proper channels and apply.
Bankruptcy is almost never granted on a student loan, and lenders can garnish wages and be the first to receive any monies from an income tax refund. Plus, the amount taken from the paycheck will probably be substantially more than the monthly scheduled amount. Lenders will take as much as the law will allow, and recoup the amount of the loan as quickly as possible.
So, before interest rates go up on July 1st, take the time to do a personal homework assignment. If at all possible, lock in the lower interest rates, so the burden of student loan repayments can be reduced. Remember, ever individual has the right to choose the best lender, and plan, for his/her circumstances. The rest is junk mail.
Erol Orderland knows first hand how Student Loan Debt can affect ones life. For more information visit Consolidation Of Federal Loans or find out about Simplified Debt Consolidation.
First, and most importantly, consolidate. Interest rates are locked in, once all student loans have been combined and assigned to one lender. So, graduates need to apply for consolidation before the deadline.
Unfortunately, while student loan interest rates are locked in at the lower level, the grace period is forfeited. Normally, the monthly repayment schedule does not go into effect until six months after graduation. So, an individual completing college in May does have to start making payments until November of that same year.
However, if a loan is consolidated before July 1st, chances are, the first payment will be due in August. Yet, a person may still have additional options to reduce the amount owed each month.
First, select the lender carefully. Even after consolidation, and the repayment process have begun, an individual will be inundated with offers from other lenders to consolidate with their company, and receive a better deal. Most will be junk mail, if the borrower has done his/her last homework assignment.
For instance, a lender may offer consolidation at the lower interest rates with added incentives, if the borrower is a good credit risk. From personal experience, a bank may offer a further reduction in the interest rate, after three years of regular payments. In other words, do not be even one day late in submitting a payment.
Also, some financial institutions may offer further reductions; if the payment plan is set up to automatically deduct a given amount each month. So, say the interest rate is currently 3%. The borrower sets up the student loan payments to be automatically deducted on the 15th of each month from his/her checking or savings account. Now, the interest rate has been reduced to 2.75%. Then, after three years of making regular payments, the lender may reduce the loan to 2.5%, or lower.
Only the borrower can determine which bank, and what incentives are right for him/her. Certain variables have to be taken into consideration. First, what is the total amount of the loan to be repaid? Second, is the loan going to be stretched longer than the standard ten year period, or will the borrower need fifteen or twenty years to eradicate the debt?
The best advice: even though a loan has been initially picked up by one lender, or several, during the course of a person's education, he/she is not obligated to stay with that particular financial institution after graduation. Many lenders will be vying for the loan, because it is good business. A lot of students are in the same boat, with a lot of potential interest to pay the winning lender.
The mail from financial institutions will be frustrating for a while, as each tries to convince a student their repayment plan is the best deal around. Thus, students must do one last bit of financial homework. Signing on with the first lender's offer can result in paying hundreds, if not thousands, more than is really necessary.
Also, every time the interest rates are scheduled to change, like this year, the mailbox will again be inundated with offers to switch lenders, and save lots of money for the balance of a student loan. Chances are, since the interest rates are increasing, not declining, the best option is to stay put with the current repayment plan.
If a better deal seems plausible, do the math. Despite the sales pitch, lenders are not out to do the borrowers any favors. Financial institutions make a lot of money from former college students repaying federal loans. Especially at the end of every school year, the push is on to get graduates to sign on the dotted line.
One HUGE warning: DO NOT default on the loan. All bets are off, if the borrower fails to make a scheduled payment. If an individual feels he/she may qualify for a hardship deferment, go through the proper channels and apply.
Bankruptcy is almost never granted on a student loan, and lenders can garnish wages and be the first to receive any monies from an income tax refund. Plus, the amount taken from the paycheck will probably be substantially more than the monthly scheduled amount. Lenders will take as much as the law will allow, and recoup the amount of the loan as quickly as possible.
So, before interest rates go up on July 1st, take the time to do a personal homework assignment. If at all possible, lock in the lower interest rates, so the burden of student loan repayments can be reduced. Remember, ever individual has the right to choose the best lender, and plan, for his/her circumstances. The rest is junk mail.
Erol Orderland knows first hand how Student Loan Debt can affect ones life. For more information visit Consolidation Of Federal Loans or find out about Simplified Debt Consolidation.
Labels: student loan interest rates, student loan refinancing
Lower Your Student Loan With Federal Loan Consolidation
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Loans. Adults cannot live with them, yet most people are unable to live without borrowing money. Buying a new car requires a loan, except for the rare individual who can pay in cash, like Bill Gates; a homeowner will have to acquire a mortgage for the next 20-30 years; and, a post-secondary education often means taking out a loan, to pay for books, tuition and living expenses.
In some cases federal loans are available through the Veteran's Administration for housing. Federal loans can help for disaster relief, or agricultural needs for farmers and ranchers. However, when discussing federal loan consolidation, most people immediately consider the unsubsidized and subsidized money used to finance a college education.
A college education is a costly venture, yet definitely worth the investment of time and money. However, the tuition and fees often discourage some potential students from trading in the spatula of a fast food restaurant, and picking up a textbook. A post-secondary degree program seems like an impossible dream, rather than an obtainable goal.
Nevertheless, after careful consideration, and a brief visit with a financial aid officer, unsubsidized and subsidized student loans are available for a two-year degree, a Bachelor's, a Masters, or a Doctorate. Federal loans consolidation takes place AFTER an individual is done receiving a formal education. The loans are usually made available every year.
Because the cost of learning is beyond the average pocketbook, many students take advantage of both a subsidized and unsubsidized loan, with the plan to take advantage of federal loan consolidation after school. Once accepted for the federal loan program, students are offered the opportunity to accept, or reject, a student loan at the beginning of the school year. In many cases, both types of loans are presented, to give an individual the extra money needed to pay off expenses, and maybe have a little left to live on, without having to hold down a full-time job.
If only one loan is needed, opt to accept the subsidized version. Not only will the payment schedule not be instituted until six months after leaving school, but also the interest will not start accruing either. Although interest may seem like small potatoes, in the long-term, subsidized loans can save thousands in repayment dollars.
When more financial assistance is necessary, an unsubsidized student loan is also available, and the financial aid will later qualify for federal loan consolidation. However, for this particular avenue of financial assistance, the interest starts building immediately, even though repayment is still not required until after graduation.
So, imagine both loans were necessary to complete a degree program. Before the six-month grace period has expired, federal loan consolidation can be implemented, saving up to 54% in monthly payment amounts. How? Prior to consolidation, the length of the loan is ten years. If the loans are consolidated, the length of the loan can be extended by five-ten years, making the payments more affordable.
In addition, federal loan consolidation also reduces the ultimate interest rate. Thus, the two monthly payments combined will probably be less than repayment of one loan individually. For example, the unsubsidized loan payment may be around $200/per month. In addition, the subsidized loan is going to be another $200. Two separate bills, one big chuck of the monthly income. By implementing federal loan consolidation, the loan is repayable in 20 years, and the monthly amount is only 46% of the anticipated $400. Now, the payments are a manageable $184/per month.
One problem. Consider the following scenario: a student earns a two-year degree at a local community college to save some money. Then, he/she transfers to a university to complete a four-year program. A Master's in a particular field is only offered at selected locations, so transferring is again necessary. Three different schools. Three different sets of lenders. No problem!
Federal loan consolidation will combine all the loans, pay off the necessary lenders, and leave only one bill, one lender, to repay. So, whether an individual goes to one university or four, federal loan consolidation will not only reduce the payment amount, but make repayment infinitely easier, in the long run.
The only drawback of federal loan consolidation, worth mentioning, is the reduced grace period. If a graduate decides consolidation is the right choice, the process must be completed before the six-month post-education period expires. Unfortunately, once the federal loan consolidation process has been completed, the repayment process begins. The borrower loses any remaining grace period.
However, since federal loan consolidation can save a former student from drowning under the weight of two, or more, loans, giving up a couple months of grace period is a small price to pay. Unless a graduate lands the perfect dream job right after the caps are tossed in the air, federal loan consolidation can be a lifesaver.
Erol Orderland knows first hand how Student Debt can affect ones life. For more information visit Federal Loan Consolidation or find out about Consolidation of Debt.
Labels: federal loan consolidation, student loan consolidation, student loan refinancing
Unsubsidized Student Loan Options
Sunday, May 27, 2007
The cost of post-secondary education, like everything else in life, is on the rise. Estimates start at approximately $100,000. Even with scholarships and grants, student loans may be necessary to help cover college expenses and provide assistance with everyday living. For some, who do not qualify for free financial aid, student loans are the only means of attaining a degree in any chosen career field. Unsubsidized student loans are available through the federal government.
To appreciate an unsubsidized student loan, a borrower must first understand the difference between scholarships, grants, and subsidized students loans. Due to the high cost of education, all options should be explored, and utilized, if needed to have the opportunity to reach personal and career goals.
As a teacher, I see high school students frittering away the opportunity for a good education. Socialization, drugs, alcohol, laziness, and a myriad of other reasons contribute to the lack of concern for learning. Then, seemingly overnight, graduation is looming and they have no clue what to do with an uncertain future. A good academic record is essential to success, and an unsubsidized student loan may be the only means of obtaining a college education.
For the student with good grades and recommendations, scholarships are available from schools, businesses, and private citizens, wanting to give hard working students the chance at a great education. Scholarships are free, although most require the recipient to maintain certain academic standards. Benefactors expect a similar level of achievement, which earned the scholarship in the first place. If scholarships do not totally cover the cost of post-secondary education, an unsubsidized student loan is always an option.
Unlike scholarships, grants are not usually based upon academic achievement. Grants are usually determined by economic need. For example, a Pell Grant, probably the most common, is available for students whose parents are unable to help offset the costs of a college education. For traditional students, Pell grants are awarded based upon the parents' or guardian's income. If income is too high to qualify for a federal grant, an unsubsidized student loan may be a viable alternative.
If the income is too high, or a substantial savings account exists, it may be very difficult to receive a federal grant. However, for the non-traditional student, the income of the student is taken into consideration, along with the number of dependents, living expenses, and other necessary financial obligations. The amount of the grant is always based upon economic need.
Like grants, an unsubsidized student loan is also determined by economic need, and a particular college's cost for tuition and fees. Unlike a grant, a loan is awarded to the student, to use as he/she sees fit. If grants and scholarships have paid for educational expenses, the loan can be used for living expenses. With an unsubsidized student loan, the interest on the loan does not start accruing until six months after college completion. As long as the student remains in college, for a BA, a MA, or a PhD, the loan is only for the actual amount sent to the individual, which leaves the unsubsidized student loan for consideration.
Before cashing the check for an unsubsidized student loan, an individual should consider the long-term consequences of his/her decision. Unlike a subsidized payment, the unsubsidized student loan starts accruing interest as soon as the check is deposited/cashed at the bank. Meaning, if the loan is acquired as a freshman, by the time a payment schedule is due, the loan has at least four years of interest attached to the original loan.
If the student chooses to continue an education for any post-graduate degrees, tack on the extra years of interest as well. Even at 3-5% interest, the additional amount can be substantial, making the monthly repayment amounts a large part of the family budget for at least the next ten years. In addition, should economic times get extremely difficult, federal loans are not eligible to be included in any bankruptcy action in the future. In other words, if the check is cashed, an unsubsidized loan must be repaid.
Therefore, unsubsidized student loans have one great attribute for borrowers. Quarterly, a statement is mailed to the student. Thus, the repayment amount to be budgeted each month will not come as a total shock. Also, the amount of accrued interest is also tallied, and the individual is given the option to pay the interest, or allow it to be added to the principle. In which case, the amount of the loan continues to grow, and the interest amount for the next quarter will rise accordingly. So, some students will opt to pay the interest quarterly, and keep the loan amount to the original obligation.
Whatever a prospective student decides, money should not be the determining factor to a post-secondary education. Scholarships, grants, subsidized, and unsubsidized student loans are available for the individual determined to improve future career opportunities through education. Anyone between 18-80 should have the chance to learn and grow, and have the necessary financial aid available to make dreams come true.
Erol Orderland knows first hand how Student Debt can affect ones life. For more information visit Federal Loan Consolidation or find out about Consolidation of Debt
To appreciate an unsubsidized student loan, a borrower must first understand the difference between scholarships, grants, and subsidized students loans. Due to the high cost of education, all options should be explored, and utilized, if needed to have the opportunity to reach personal and career goals.
As a teacher, I see high school students frittering away the opportunity for a good education. Socialization, drugs, alcohol, laziness, and a myriad of other reasons contribute to the lack of concern for learning. Then, seemingly overnight, graduation is looming and they have no clue what to do with an uncertain future. A good academic record is essential to success, and an unsubsidized student loan may be the only means of obtaining a college education.
For the student with good grades and recommendations, scholarships are available from schools, businesses, and private citizens, wanting to give hard working students the chance at a great education. Scholarships are free, although most require the recipient to maintain certain academic standards. Benefactors expect a similar level of achievement, which earned the scholarship in the first place. If scholarships do not totally cover the cost of post-secondary education, an unsubsidized student loan is always an option.
Unlike scholarships, grants are not usually based upon academic achievement. Grants are usually determined by economic need. For example, a Pell Grant, probably the most common, is available for students whose parents are unable to help offset the costs of a college education. For traditional students, Pell grants are awarded based upon the parents' or guardian's income. If income is too high to qualify for a federal grant, an unsubsidized student loan may be a viable alternative.
If the income is too high, or a substantial savings account exists, it may be very difficult to receive a federal grant. However, for the non-traditional student, the income of the student is taken into consideration, along with the number of dependents, living expenses, and other necessary financial obligations. The amount of the grant is always based upon economic need.
Like grants, an unsubsidized student loan is also determined by economic need, and a particular college's cost for tuition and fees. Unlike a grant, a loan is awarded to the student, to use as he/she sees fit. If grants and scholarships have paid for educational expenses, the loan can be used for living expenses. With an unsubsidized student loan, the interest on the loan does not start accruing until six months after college completion. As long as the student remains in college, for a BA, a MA, or a PhD, the loan is only for the actual amount sent to the individual, which leaves the unsubsidized student loan for consideration.
Before cashing the check for an unsubsidized student loan, an individual should consider the long-term consequences of his/her decision. Unlike a subsidized payment, the unsubsidized student loan starts accruing interest as soon as the check is deposited/cashed at the bank. Meaning, if the loan is acquired as a freshman, by the time a payment schedule is due, the loan has at least four years of interest attached to the original loan.
If the student chooses to continue an education for any post-graduate degrees, tack on the extra years of interest as well. Even at 3-5% interest, the additional amount can be substantial, making the monthly repayment amounts a large part of the family budget for at least the next ten years. In addition, should economic times get extremely difficult, federal loans are not eligible to be included in any bankruptcy action in the future. In other words, if the check is cashed, an unsubsidized loan must be repaid.
Therefore, unsubsidized student loans have one great attribute for borrowers. Quarterly, a statement is mailed to the student. Thus, the repayment amount to be budgeted each month will not come as a total shock. Also, the amount of accrued interest is also tallied, and the individual is given the option to pay the interest, or allow it to be added to the principle. In which case, the amount of the loan continues to grow, and the interest amount for the next quarter will rise accordingly. So, some students will opt to pay the interest quarterly, and keep the loan amount to the original obligation.
Whatever a prospective student decides, money should not be the determining factor to a post-secondary education. Scholarships, grants, subsidized, and unsubsidized student loans are available for the individual determined to improve future career opportunities through education. Anyone between 18-80 should have the chance to learn and grow, and have the necessary financial aid available to make dreams come true.
Erol Orderland knows first hand how Student Debt can affect ones life. For more information visit Federal Loan Consolidation or find out about Consolidation of Debt
Labels: consolidation, student loans, unsubsidized student loans
