Thursday, October 15, 2009

HOW TO MANAGE STUDENT LOANS

• Borrow as little as possible. Default rates increase with overborrowing. If your total debt will be more than twice your expected starting salary, you're borrowing too much. Consider a less expensive college.

• Make a checklist of all your loans, including name and number of lender, loan type and amount, interest rate, and due dates or deadlines. Make copies of letters, canceled checks, and any forms you sign.

• Seek help as early as possible if you have difficulty repaying your loan – don't wait until you default. Consider applying for a deferment or forbearance on your loans. Your lender may also suggest alternate repayment options that reduce monthly payments but increase the loan term.

• Consider a consolidation loan to combine all of your student loans into one big loan.

• Keep credit card debt to a minimum or avoid it completely.

• Consider making nominal student loan payments while in school. This will reduce the amount you owe after graduation.


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