College Student Loan Consolidation

Private Student Loan Consolidation – How to Go About It?

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Students have taken private college loans a little too much and so they have finally decided to go for private student loan consolidation. Indeed, one should be responsible enough to make a quick thinking and deciding about consolidating your private loans. But first, make sure you do it right.

The process is known as private student loan consolidation simply because the debts that you have merged exclusively belong to the group of loans that you gotten from private lenders and financial institution. In other words, the federal student loans that you likewise acquired are not included in the consolidation. (You may merge your government debt in another program, in order not to mess up the benefits of separate consolidation)

Indeed you belong to those responsible borrowers who would not rest until his private debts are take care of and settled. Good thing that you can avail of private student loan consolidation as your responsibility to make payments to various lending companies every month is erased. With this program, you enjoy having to deal with only a single lender. he is the one who took charge of taking care of the previous loans by paying them all out, one by one.

Now with a new loan, you are afforded that luxury (as compared to your previous financial situation) of dealing with your new loan with much ease and comfort. Certainly, you are to experience a new scheme of repayment that is totally convenient. In the end, hundreds or even thousands of dollars in savings can be earns. What more can you ask for?

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How to Fix Defaulted Student Loans and Wage Garnishments

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In this tough economy, an increasing number of college graduates (and college drop-outs) are falling behind on their student loans. According to the Department of Education, federal student loan defaults were up to 6.9% in 2009, well above their 2008 of 5.2%. For those carrying private loans, defaults hit 3.37% in 2008 versus 1.47% in 2006, according to Sallie Mae, one of America’s largest providers of private loans.

As you probably already know, defaulting on a student loan is a very serious matter. A federal college loan falls into default status if you are supposed to make monthly payments, but have not done so for 270 days. For those whose student loan payments are less frequent, a default occurs once you haven’t made payments for 330 days. In either case, the government has the right to take your federal tax refund check or garnish up to 15% of your disposable pay in order to collect on a defaulted federal student loan. Defaulted student loans also negatively impact your credit.

Appealing a Wage Garnishment

The good news is that you can appeal a wage garnishment and request a hearing on the matter in order to demonstrate why it is that you can’t afford that the payments and wage garnishment your lender or guaranty agency is seeking. The U.S. Department of Education Debt Collection Services Office (DCS) holds the hearing after you fill out a “Request for Hearing” form regarding your wage garnishment, and send it to the Department of Education.

Your hearing can be done in-person, over the telephone, or in writing; the choice is up to you.

IMPORTANT NOTE: When you submit your Request for Hearing, make sure you also send another EXTREMELY IMPORTANT document. It is the “Financial Disclosure Statement,” a 3-page document in which you must document your income and itemize all your expenses.

The “Financial Disclosure Statement” form will be critical in the hearing/appeal process, and will be closely evaluated, so take the time to carefully list all your bills, and provide copies of those bills as requested.

On page 3 of the Financial Disclosure Statement, you will notice a line that says: “Based on this Statement, I think I can afford to pay $____ per month.” This is where you have an opportunity to essentially offer a counter-proposal to the Department of Education about your student loans. Regardless of what you’ve been asked to pay in the past, here is where you should realistically evaluate your budget and come up with a number that you can undoubtedly pay (without a huge financial strain) month after month.

The Department of Education will make a decision about your case within 60 days after your hearing. But in the meantime, any wage garnishment that has already started will continue to be in force.

Four Options to Cure a Defaulted Student Loan

Now, in order to get your student loan(s) out of default, you have four options:

• Consolidate the loan(s)

• Enter a loan rehabilitation program;

• Pay the loan(s) off completely

• Get the loan(s) totally discharged or cancelled

The last two are probably not realistic options. I know you don’t have the money to pay off the loan(s). That’s why you’re in this predicament; and loan cancellations are rare (though they can be obtained). You’ll likely have to “rehabilitate” your loan(s) or consolidate.

Should You “Rehabilitate” Your Loans or Consolidate?

Before you can consolidate, you have to bring your loan(s) out of default status. You do this by making just three monthly payments – on time, and in any amount that you and your lender agree upon. To find out if you qualify for loan consolidation, contact the Federal Direct Consolidation Loan Info Center at 800-557-7392 or go online to http://loanconsolidation.ed.gov. If you call, the staff there should be able to tell you what your monthly payment will need to be for those three months while your loan is in repayment. The one drawback to consolidation is that your credit remains tarnished. Even though your loan will be paid off and listed as “paid in full” on your credit report, you’ll get a new loan through consolidation and that previous default still shows on your credit report for seven years.

An alternative, to fix your credit, and have all past negative information about your student loans completely deleted from your credit file is to go through loan rehabilitation.

In a nutshell with rehabilitation you make 9 or 12 on-time payments on your student loans in an amount you can afford. You make nine monthly payments on Direct Loans and Federal Family Education Loans, or 12 monthly payments on Perkins Loans. This, in my opinion, is the preferred route as it will help you restore your credit in a big way, so your past default won’t haunt you for years to come.

For more details about various alternatives to cure your student loan delinquency, check out the Department of Education’s guidebook called “Options for Financially-Challenged Borrowers in Default.”

Get Help From an Ombudsman

Additionally, you should know that if you ever have a dispute with your lender or loan servicer about anything related to your federal student loans, there is a government agency that may be of assistance in resolving that dispute. It’s called the Federal Student Aid Office of the Ombudsman. Always try to work things out first with your lender by using the online “Self Resolution Checklist” from the Ombudsman’s office. But let’s say you think your loan was mistakenly placed in default by your lender – maybe you were in school at least half-time, you had a loan deferment or forbearance, or you actually made payments on your loan – and you can’t get a satisfactory resolution of the issue, then it’s time to reach out to the Ombudsman’s office.

No matter what economic challenges you’re facing, you don’t have to live with wage garnishments and blemishes on your credit report because of defaulted student loans. Reach out for help today, and start the process of turning that college debt problem around.

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I Want To Attend College, But What Is The Right Degree For Me?

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Sound familiar? You are not alone. After all, junior high and high school curriculum has basically dictated your areas of study until this point. Rest assured that many young adults do not yet know what profession they want to pursue upon graduating high school at age eighteen.

The good news is that you can begin college now and still have time to make an informed decision about your major. Most college degree programs require that you take a set of core classes for any degree, which can keep you busy for the first year or two of college while you assess which degree program to explore further. While you are enrolled in basics such as English, Math, Foreign Language and other required core classes, use the opportunity to speak with professors, advisors, other students and professionals who are familiar with fields you are interested in pursuing. You may want to take (or just attend) classes within majors you are considering. Choosing a degree program is a major decision that will affect the types of jobs for which you qualify after college, and one that warrants your time and attention.

Deciding on a major requires taking an honest look your goals, your personality, your strengths and weaknesses, and what you truly want out of life and your career. When you enter the workforce after college, your job will become a significant part of your everyday life. Research what specific positions you can obtain with different degrees, and use that information as a guide in your decision. For example, just because you love history does not mean that you should get a degree in history, unless you have determined that a job you would love requires that you have a history degree. If you cannot imagine sitting at a desk for eight (or more) hours per day, you should probably consider professions that will not require you to do so. If you love art and thrive on the creative process, look into fields that accommodate your talents and desires. Research real job openings to help determine what degree would set you up for the types of jobs that would satisfy you.

While speaking with counselors and professors is a great way to learn more about the jobs available for graduates in a particular field, speaking with people in the workforce and visiting places of employment can give you the best insight into what specific positions entail. Look for every opportunity to get more information about jobs in a field you are considering, even if it requires pressing the limits of your comfort zone. Many companies do not mind giving tours to interested college students, which can be a great way to learn more about jobs in a particular field as well as make connections. Other resources may be so obvious you have not even noticed them, such as the knowledge of your parents, their friends and other relatives. There are likely professionals in your life who are active in different industries who can provide valuable advice and guidance about the job market.

While the advice of your parents, relatives and other trusted individuals should certainly be valued and respected, do not disregard your own instincts when making this important decision for your future. Many parents have biased views about what career direction they want to see their children follow. Some parents want their children to follow in their footsteps, while others want to prevent their children from making the same career mistakes as they made themselves. Either way, you and only you will enter the workforce armed with the knowledge and skills acquired through earning your degree. Only you have the power to select a degree program that prepares you for the work that will prove satisfying to you. In selecting your major, be diligent in researching the opportunities it will afford you and make a decision with which you will be truly satisfied when you walk across the stage on graduation day.

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How to Pay Off Student Loan Debt – Get Government Grant Money

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More and more students today are having to get money in order to finance their future through student loans. What this creates is a situation with many students having to go deep into debt before they ever start out financially. Though this is not an ideal situation, it is one of the realities that students are dealing with today. With the job marketing being what it currently is, many students are struggling to find jobs when they get out of college, making it almost impossible to pay back those students loans. What are these people to do? Luckily, they are completely out of luck, since some government help exists for paying back student loans.

Is government grant money really available?

Though not every single person who applies for a government grant is going to get it, many people are able to get money from the government to pay off these loans. There is a lot of this money available, especially with the way the current federal administration is spending to help people get out of debt. You will never be able to qualify for this money until you apply for it, though. The first step is to put in an application and then you can go from there. If you show that your current situation makes it downright impossible to pay back the loans, you may receive a government grant to take care of part of them or even all of them in some extreme cases.

Doing special types of work for student loan forgiveness

The government grants come through an application process, but they also come through special job programs. Since the federal administration wants to promote working in low income areas and working in certain fields, they will offer grants that amount to student loan forgiveness. Working in a low-income school or working as a public servant are two ways to qualify for these grants. The money will come readily when you take this approach, so it is important to do this if you have overwhelming student loan commitments. Though this is not the path that many students charted at the beginning, it is one that can be highly beneficial financially.

The important thing to know is that you are not completely alone in paying off student loan debt. The government gives out a ton of money every year, but most people don’t get it because they don’t even realize this fact.

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Student Loans for Parents with Bad Credit Can Be Found, But May Be Unnecessary

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As a parent with bad credit, trying to help your children get money for college can be frustrating. Student loans for parents with bad credit can be hard to come by, but there are ways you can help. There are some loans you can get even with bad credit as well as other financial alternatives.

Most likely you’ve already explored your options with federal loans and financial aid along with your student son or daughter. If you are in financial difficulties, your student may benefit. Check if he or she is eligible for financial aid or need-based scholarships or subsidized loans. The best starting point in gathering education funds is the Stafford loan. This does not have any credit requirement, so get this loan and any subsidized loans you can first, then see how much you’ll need to borrow from private lenders.

You may be eligible to cosign for your children’s student loans even with bad credit, especially if you have a steady employment record to counterbalance credit problems. Offering to cosign your son or daughter’s student loans can help despite your bad credit because lenders will see that you are backing up your student and may offer lower interest rates and fees.

There are many lenders and you are unlikely to receive a flat refusal unless your credit and debt is exceptionally bad. They will compete for the privelege of giving you a student loan for your son or daughter’s education; as filing for bankruptcy will not expunge student loan debts, it is a safe and lucrative investment for lenders.

If your student plans on attending graduate school, you can take advantage of their years as undergraduates to start building up your credit score. Parents can apply for a federal PLUS loan for graduate students with minimal credit requirements. If you help your student son or daughter with their life expenses, textbooks, and supplies, do it with a credit card and pay your card on time. This way you can help them with their studies and, at the same time, increase your credit rating so you can help more in the future.

Another way to increase your credit rating is taking out a collateral loan and paying it back faithfully. You can mortgage a house or car, or apply for a home equity loan to help pay your student’s education costs.

With some work, student loans for parents with bad credit can be obtained, and barring student loans, there are other methods of helping your children get an education.

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How to Pay Off Student Loans With Debt Relief Government Grants

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Many college students overwhelmed with student loans want to know how to pay off student loans with debt relief government grants. Here are new options available: President Obama’s debt relief government grants assistance and the Income Based Repayment program.

Debt Relief Government Assistance

The government debt relief assistance is aimed toward helping individuals with extremely high debt. According to aid officials, even though it does not pay for all of a person’s debt, it may pay thirty to eighty five percent. This is for a US citizen that is over 18 years old and can show that they are in deep financial trouble.

A college student’s loan may qualify as overwhelming debt. It is important to provide the loan’s documents, and all expenses, income, and other loans. The government official will check to see if the documents match the information on the application. If they match and show financial trouble, the more likely assistance will be awarded.

College Student Loan For Debt Relief

There is help available from a federal program that just started on July first of 2009. Students can have their monthly federal student loan payments reduced to under fifteen percent of their total income through the Income-Based Repayment (IBR) government aid program.

It possible for a college student to pay nothing on their federal student loan. If their yearly income is under $10,400, or one and 1/2 times the government poverty based on the household as of 2008, they can get all the loan paid for.

Higher incomes, that also qualify for the IBR can get their federal student loan reduced to fifteen percent of the difference of their yearly income compared to the minimum income poverty allowance.

Debt Forgiveness

If they work in public service and make a low yearly income, by paying for ten years on their federal student loan, they may get the remaining loan balance totally forgiven.

Also, for any type of job, individuals with low incomes that have paid regularly for twenty five years, may have their entire remaining balance forgiven.

To pay off student loans with government grants, can eliminate a huge burden off millions of new college graduates. Since more people are finding out about this kind of government assistance, there is a lot of competition. Consequently, applicants should apply right away for either one of the debt aid or for the IBR program while the funds are still available.

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Student Loan Repayment Tips – 8 Tips to Keep Your Loan Under Control

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The very best way to manage debt is to be debt-free, yet that is easier said than done in today’s economy. However, when it comes to paying for your college education, acquiring debt or student loans to afford the tuition cannot be avoided for many students.

In planning for the successful repayment of your student loan many things must be taken into consideration. To get ahead of the game you should plan to repay the loan before you sign the first promissory note. In a perfect world this might be the case, quite the contrary most student do not consider repayment until after they have graduated from college and land their first job.

Here are some suggested tips to help you make plans to deal with your student loan effectively to ensure repayment success.

Tip #1: You Do the Leg Work

All loans are not equally created. Some loans offer repayment incentives while you are still attending college; this bonus in some cases can be extended even after you have graduated. On the other hand, there are loans that provide no such stipend and the loans are due shortly after you have graduated college. For example, the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) loan charges a 3% loan origination fee; one stimulus is the proposal to pay this fee for students. The student in-turn has more money to off-set the cost for books, school supplies and living expenses.

An example of the incentive after graduation would be the fact that you could qualify for reduced interest rates. Also, should a student want to repay the loan through an automatic withdrawal system, like payroll deduction, for example, the probability of receiving this incentive is even greater? As you can see, there are notable differences in each student loan; that is why it is necessary to ensure that you have a thorough understanding of what each loan offer; and choose the one that provides the best incentives.

Tip #2: Read Your Mail

Typically, student borrowers get tons of information concerning the student loan. The student receives mail, normally, immediately prior to, throughout and following graduation from college. Consequently, it is crucial that you read through the entire stack of mail carefully. Therefore, if you have concerns, or there is information you do not understand; by knowing what is going on now you can get the problem resolved right away. Remember, it is necessary to ask if things are not clear, don’t ignore the mail or you might miss out on a critical deadline or important information you need to act on concerning the loans.

Tip #3: Organize that Mountain of Paperwork

Save all of your student loan paperwork and correspondences, as soon as you get it in the mail in the mail. That way, you are going to know exactly what you agreed to, what is expected from you at loan repayment, and also to remind you how much you have borrowed, which is extremely important. It is interesting how signing the promissory note for your loan is so exciting, repaying the loan seems far away, but only for a while. Four years of college pass by quicker than you think. Before you know it, you are graduating, and the student loan repayment is glaring you in the face.

Organization and having the ability to put your fingertips on the loan paperwork will assist in alleviating a lot of the panic. To make things easy for you, begin by establishing a good, easy to use, record-keeping system in which you are able to keep your student loan paperwork and correspondence. The bookstores and libraries have books and software products on personal finance and organization that will help you get going. No matter what filing system you choose, whether document folders, binders, portfolios, or envelopes, create one file for each loan or account you have, and keep your items categorized appropriately. Additionally, while organizing your record-keeping system, make sure that it is safe. The record-keeping system should be kept free from thieves or fire. A number of professionals also recommend that you need to keep your student loan documents and correspondences until they are all totally paid off. This is what you need to keep a record of.

*Essential paperwork like your college student loan applications, promissory notes, disbursement and disclosure statements, and also loan transfer notices. * Copies of all correspondences concerning your student loan company and/or servicing company, such as your school’s financial aid office. * Contact and phone number of the loan provider.

Tip #4: Be Present at all Required Entrance and Exit Sessions

When you take out a student loan, you will have to complete the student loan counseling sessions. Some schools give this on-line and the sessions will not require a considerable amount of your time. They will give you a significant amount of information concerning your rights as well as your obligations as a student borrower.

Tip #5: Budget Finances Like a Pro

The adage when you live to impress when you are in school, you might live like a pauper when you have completed your degree. Quite simply, it is essential that you learn the best way to manage your hard earned money when you are going to school. Frugality can help you reduce the amount of the loan you apply for; as well as reduce the total amount you are going to be responsible for paying back. Here are a few sensible techniques worth taking into consideration:

* Prepare realistic budgets while you are going to school and even after you graduate. This will probably enable you to borrow only what you need, providing you an excellent opportunity to pay back the loans. * Learn how to live as inexpensively as possible. Bear in mind you are only a college student. You can enjoy a much more trouble-free life if you graduate with little to no financial debt. Many excellent tips on how to be cash conscious include finding a roommate, renting a video rather than going to the theater, and taking your lunch from home rather than going out to restaurants.

Thriftiness is the name of the game, so be as thrifty as you possibly can. * For virtually any credit card debts you receive, try to pay off the total amount due. * Set up a financial budget for yourself and stick to it. As long as you are in college, it will be beneficial to see how you can avoid the desire of using credit cards or your student loan money to purchase items that are not contained in your spending budget. Never simply purchase unneeded items. * If at all possible, check out work-study or other part-time job. Finding a part-time job will give you the chance to gain useful specialized experience, as well as providing additional income to cover expenses.

Tip #6: Retain at least Half-Time Enrollment

If you are thinking about half-time enrollment, it is essential to ensure that you are eligible for an in-school deferment. The part-time enrollment usually takes six credit hours. Check with you educational institution requirements concerning the prerequisites for half-time standing.

Tip #7: Make the most of Tax Cost savings

A number of college students who take out student education loans qualify for tax breaks. To determine your status, seek advice from your tax consultant. The breaks are now determined by your qualified college tuition repayments, and in addition, they will help decrease how much Federal tax you have to pay. If you are paying interest on a student loan, it is possible to receive a deduction on your individual Federal tax return for all interest payments. When, you get the advantage of the tax credit as well as the deductions, use the extra tax reimbursement to pay down your student loan, or to take care of the educational expenses.

Tip # 8: Show Me the Money

College graduations is now behind you and your new careers looms just ahead, but guess what; it is now time to repay those student loans. Some loans come due soon after college graduation while other loans allow a bit of time before repayment is due. The bottom line is the loan will have to be paid. Here are some recommendations when you enter the repayment period:

* Submit the loan payment as soon as it is due each month for the full payment amount or even more. This should be done no matter whether you receive a monthly bill or not. *Understand the pay off alternatives offered by your student loan lenders. One option allow you to decrease the loan by making larger monthly payments, and other option allow you reduce your initial monthly bills by making it easier to repay the loan early in your career.

*Contact your lender and inform them immediately of any change in your name or address; if you have questions about your college bill; making payments on time is a problem; loan deferment or forbearance might be needed to help you through a financial crisis. *Make sure you clearly comprehend all mail you receive from your student loan lender and respond immediately when notified. For Further Information concerning your student loans, always remember that the financial-aid office at your school should be your first point of contact. Additionally, there are a number of publications from the Federal and state governments, lenders and college admissions office, libraries and your local bookstore.

Here’s to your success!

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Alternative Student Loan – Do You Need Extra Money For College?

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Are you trying to pay for college and you cannot get enough money from regular financial aid? Do you need extra money for tuition, books, fees, and living expenses? There are ways that you can get more student loan money with an alternative student loan if you know where to look. Here are some helpful tips for you.

First, when you are looking at your budget and figuring out how much money you need for college you should always over exaggerate. This is important because if you just assume you will be fine on what you think you need, then how are you going to deal with an unexpected expense like a car repair or trip to the hospital.

Second, with an alternative student loan you can get extra money to help you so that you do not have to work and you can concentrate on your studies. There are various types of alternative student loans out there for you and all you really need to do is talk to your financial aid office to find out what you can qualify for.

Last, when it comes to any type of loan for schooling it is important that you make sure the loans do not have to be paid back until you have graduated. They should give you some sort of a grace period after graduation before they begin to ask you to pay for your student loans. This is important because you do not want this stress while you are taking classes.

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Consolidated Credit Cards: Good Idea or Not?

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Are you a recent college graduate? Did you accumulate thousands of dollars worth of liabilities spread out over multiple your credit card accounts?

Are you planning to combine the credit card accounts with a much lesser APR in order to save some dollars and make that monthly payment more convenient? Do you have a good credit record and pay on time? Need help?

The problem with most of the credit card consolidations is getting approval for the higher credit limit. In fact, most of the consolidated credit card deals are very tight when it comes to credit card limits.

Most of the people who want to consolidate their credit card have the same problem. For example, most of the students in college are planning to consolidate most of their credit cards after using it in order to assist their college years.

Now here is a big factor. The very vital aspect of most debt is how much is the total cost. The best credit is the cheapest credit ever. The credit card holder must be able to compare the rates of the total amount of the loans.

Many people want to combine credit cards simply because they are tired of handling too many accounts.

Be aware of the most often repeated mistakes like, consolidating at a greater rate for the effect of convenience of sole payment. It is a more delicate option to decide if it is worth for a little account in order to avoid extra amount of interest. It is advisable to find a way to avoid extra cost.

It is worthwhile when trying to consolidate all of the debt accounts into one make it sure not to leave a zero balance accounts. If the account has been closed, the credit option and saving interest will be closed also.

If the consolidated credit cards are paid on time, it is appropriate to keep it. The credit card has still its account and can be used in the future.

Now to further illustrate the consolidating and reducing rates,

As much as possible when consolidating credit cards, dealing with the representative can be very helpful. The representative can make a deal regarding other accounts and transfer it later on.

Make a comparison with other banks. Choose the bank that gives a great deal like raising credit limit or a much better rate. The bank can boost credit maximum value on the dot of few dollars. Keep in mind that, no matter what happen make a call to the bank and ask what they can do. If they offered a good deal, transfer the account right away.

What are the other consequences of debt consolidation?

An effect of combining debts is that, instead of having five separate payments to five separate creditors, it will become single payment for only one creditor.

There are many benefits to consolidating credit cards, one of this is straightforwardness. Imagine having 10 payments and several bills combined into one.

Some advice, research consolidation. It is very important to know the proper way of combining payments. Do not just get into some deal that will only put you on the “payment debt treadmill”. Do not enter into a trap of debt where consolidation of payments will only lead to more debt.

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Student Loans – The Best Way to Repay Student Loans

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As a recent college graduate, nothing will teach you more about responsibility and money management than repaying student loans. Proactively managing your loans will save you money and build up your credit history. The best way to repay student loans is to make regular payments for a better interest rate, explore options for repayment plans, use tax breaks available, consolidate loans, and defer loan payments (if need be) to avoid a strike on your credit record.

Make Regular Payments

Pay regularly and on time. If you make 48 consecutive on-time payments, most private lenders will knock two percentage points off your interest rate. Plus, if you direct your bank to transfer payments electronically from your checking account, many lenders will trim a quarter of a point off your rate.

Explore Repayment Plans

Ask about alternate forms of repayment. If you have difficulty meeting your payments, ask about alternate repayment plans. Assuming your salary will go up over time, you can arrange a graduated repayment plan. You begin with a low monthly payment that slowly rises over a period of 12 to 30 years, depending on the size of the loan.

If your income fluctuates because you’re self-employed, you can also set up an income-sensitive or income-contingent repayment plan. As your income rises and falls, so does the amount you owe. Under the income-contingency plan available through the Department of Education for direct-loan borrowers, any balance remaining after 25 years is forgiven, although the amount forgiven will be taxed as income. One caveat: Alternate repayment plans will cost you more in interest because you’ll pay back your loan over a longer period of time.

Use Tax Breaks

Take advantage of tax breaks. The federal government offers relief for taxpayers with student loans. Presuming your income makes you eligible, you may deduct the interest you pay up to a maximum of $2,500 a year. The income limits to qualify for a full or partial deduction are less than $65,000 annually for singles, and less than $130,000 for couples filing jointly.

Consolidate Loans

Keep in mind that if you have more than one loan, you can consolidate them. That means a new interest rate is applied to your outstanding principal. The rate will be equal to the weighted average of all your loans but will not exceed 8.25 percent. During the course of your repayment, lenders may offer discounts, especially if you have a record of timely repayments.

Defer Loan Payments (in times of hardship)

If, by consolidating, you lengthen the term of your repayment this can substantially increase the total interest you will pay. And, if you’ve exhausted your options and can’t get relief, you may be able to suspend your payments temporarily. If you lose or quit your job, or return to school, you can ask your lender to temporarily defer your loan payments. If you get a deferment for a subsidized Stafford loan, the government will actually pay the interest that comes due during your suspended payment period. If you can’t get a deferment, you can still hold off on payments for up to a year by asking for forbearance. The interest will continue to accrue, but you avoid defaulting and getting a nasty strike on your credit record.

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