Friday, September 30, 2011

Student Loan Debt Consolidation - What to Look for in a Student Loan Consolidator

If you want to make a wise financial decision upon graduation, choose to consolidate your student loans and reduce your number of monthly debt payments. Recent graduates typically have more than one Federal student loan. Multiple loans mean managing different accounts each month and keeping track of varying due dates. With a student loan consolidation, all outstanding loan balances merge into a single account. Since student loan consolidations typically offer lower rates, the monthly payments on a combined account will be considerably less. Of course, prior to making the decision to consolidate, it helps to find a good consolidation company.

How to Find a Good Consolidation Company

Picking the right student loan consolidator requires time and research. Banks and lenders constantly bombard recent graduates with consolidation offers. These offers promise to reduce monthly payments by up to 60%, which saves money. Because student loan consolidation companies are different, accepting the first offer is never a good idea. It is best to search the Internet first and compare different consolidation programs.

What to Look for in a Student Loan Consolidation Company

Even though student loan consolidation companies may aggressively seek your business, they may not have your best interest in mind. A good student loan consolidator will provide a guide or counselor to help you through the process. It is normal to have questions and reservations. A reputable company will acknowledge your concerns and provides satisfactory answers in a timely manner.

What's more, a good student loan consolidator will not hurry the loan process. Rather, they will give you sufficient time to review the terms of the agreement, and then decide whether the loan is right for you.

Does the student loan consolidation company offer flexible payment options? If not, think twice before signing the document. Federal student loans offer graduates various payment options such as a deferment or forbearance. If the borrower stumbles upon financial hardships, these options allow them to skip a few payments. Lastly, before picking a student loan consolidator, make sure that the company is accredited by the Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling. Accreditation means that the student loan consolidation company is reputable and competent to handle your loan needs.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Student Loans Through Bank of America

College costs can add up fast. Once you've been able to cover tuition, there are many other education-related expenses such as books, housing, food, and lab fees. With all these expenses, student loans become a great option.

Bank of America offers the CampusEdge student loan. With CampusEdge a student can get up to $50,000 per year as long as the loan total does not go beyond the estimated cost of attendance, minus other financial aid.

This money is sent directly to you, and you can defer payment until graduation, with the flexibility to make interest-only payments for up to 2 years following graduation. Principle and interest payments may be postponed for up to seven years while registered in a participating school's undergraduate program. Interest will accrue and will be added to your loan quarterly while in deferment and once at the beginning of repayment.

Bank of America makes the application process easy.

Apply online or by phone at any time, with no school certification needed.

You can apply without a co-borrower, but you may increase your chance of approval by applying with a credit worthy co-borrower.

Receive conditional approval in as little as fifteen minutes.

Funds will be sent in as few as five business days of final loan approval.

Make it easier to fund your degree. Apply today at bankofamerica.com/campusedgeloan or call 1-866-457-4080.

NOTE: Credit is subject to approval. Certain restrictions may apply. Programs, rates, terms, and conditions may change without notice.

REMEMBER: Before applying for any loan, carefully research to make sure you are getting the best deal and never sign a contract that you haven't read. Make sure you know what you are getting into. Bank of America isn't the only place to get a private loan. You may wish to check out other places as well if you want to get the lowest rate.

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Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Student Loan Consolidation: Best Debt Consolidation Advice

As far as debt consolidation is concerned, student loans are considered to be the basic factor which has contributed to the overall debt situation of the country as compared to any other debts. As a matter of fact, not even credit card debts have accounted for so much of the financial crisis as the student debts have. It is obvious therefore, that student debts should not be left unattended for a longer period of time. As we all know that the completion of education or attaining a college degree is perhaps the greatest moments of triumph in one's life. However, the burden of debts can sometimes make it a little difficult to enjoy these moments in the true sense. The debt consolidation services are by far the best known methods to resolve student debts. In this procedure, the entire amount of debts accumulated by the students is to be merged into a single amount and the entire range of debts is repaid in a much more affordable structure. In short, the debt consolidation procedure will combine all the debts into a single amount and the student will have the accessibility of making one payment to the creditor instead of making several payments in a row. The chances of missed payments will also get reduced drastically in the process. In addition to all this, through the process of consolidating the student debts, it is possible to save hundreds and thousands of dollars which the students would have otherwise paid to the creditors. Usually, the consolidation process involves the debt consolidation loans which are largely considered by the citizens. Although, securing loans will definitely mean that the students will have to bear interest amounts but even in that the interest amount will be one rather than smaller interest which are relatively difficult to handle.

The loan repayment tenure can also be changed with the help of a debt consolidation process and it can usually be stretched for a longer period of time may be for a 20 to 30 year time period before the debts get settled. As far as the issue of credit score is concerned, it is one of the most important determining factors for the students to step into their professional lives. The FICO scores which are calculated by the credit rating agencies go a long way in deciding the nature of employment of the students and other factors such as getting a house, car or other necessary stuff. A low credit score is necessarily bad and it will act as a major obstacle in getting ahead in life or the student will likely face an array of denials in life.

On the basis of the debt situation, the students can expect to get help through various online debt consolidation programs and the lenders may also decide to approve on the loans. The best way is to shop around for the best rates and the best lenders before opting for the consolidation options.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Non-Student Federal Loan Consolidation

The federal government offers various loans to the citizens of the United States to sustain the rising costs of education and living. Although, there are a large number of lending institutions and financial companies operating in the financial market, the federal government continues to remain the primary source of acquiring loans. There are a variety of student loans backed by the federal government and the most popular loans include Stafford loans, Plus loans, and Perkins loans. Stafford loans are offered to both undergraduates as well as graduate students to facilitate them to enroll themselves in universities and colleges. Many non-students face the difficulty of repaying loans on time, as they may also have to repay other loans in addition to the education loans. They turn to debt consolidation loans as a way out of their immediate woes.

Typically, a credit check is essential for non-students to qualify for a debt consolidation program. However, a credit check is not required for non-students applying through a secondary lender. There are no fees charged to non-students for applying for loan consolidation. Non-students have the option of consolidating their loans under the federal programs such as Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFEL) and the Federal Direct Loan Program or through private lenders. The non-students have to meet the eligibility criteria laid by the respective consolidating companies to qualify for debt consolidation. The private lending institutions may have less rigid eligibility criteria but have higher rates. As a result, many non-students opt for the FFEL and direct loan programs for the countless privileges they offer.

Many financial consultants stress on the importance of considering various factors such as incentives and repayment options offered before selecting a debt consolidation company. Most financial companies provide various incentives to encourage borrowers to make timely payments. This form of arrangement is highly beneficial for both the parties, as the lender is assured of regular payments and the borrowers get discounts on their loans. Apart from providing loans, these companies also provide other consolidating services such as credit counseling, debt management and guidance to select a loan consolidating plan. These loan consolidation plans are devised after a careful analysis of a borrower's paying capacity, the loan amount and the borrower's credit report.

It is crucial for borrowers to verify the credibility of the consolidating company for which they can consult the Better Business Bureau. Many fraudulent companies lure borrowers by promising to provide consolidating services even for a poor credit history. They may charge upfront fees for the services and simply abscond with the money.

Some lenders offer principal reduction incentives as a part of their federal loan consolidation plan. Typically, this reduction is applied to the principal leading to reduction in the loan balance. As a rule, all lending institutions have certain parameters to determine the eligibility of the borrowers for principal reduction. The most common eligibility criteria are the stipulated number of on-time payments. Principal reductions do not affect the interest rate in any way.

Federal loans offer amazing benefits such as tax-deductible interests and deferment, which are continued even after loan consolidation. As a result, financial consultants stress the importance of consolidating federal and private loans separately to avail the federal benefits.

Monday, September 26, 2011

ACS Student Loans Consolidation - Pros and Cons Explained

Loans provided by the government have given students the opportunity to obtain a college education. But in some occasions, this has also brought many individuals and households close to financial ruin. To address this problem, services like the ACS student loans consolidation are being offered as a practical way to help people get out of debt.

For starters, loan consolidation means combining eligible student loans into a single loan. This will eventually make payments for these loans more affordable and simpler. This can lead to more savings for the borrower enabling them to manage their finances better.

Several types of loans may qualify for loan consolidation through ACS including federal unsubsidized and subsidized Stafford loans, federal PLUS loans, and federal direct loans, just to name a few.

There are few requirements to note in order for borrowers to qualify. The total loans combined should have a minimum amount of $20,000. Borrowers should have a good record of being up-to-date with their payments and none of the loans should be in default.

Only borrowers who have graduated and those under specific clauses are eligible and students currently enrolled are not qualified.

Indebted students can gain countless advantages from this kind of debt consolidation. Different lenders including ACS may differ in some terms -- but generally offer the following things.

The borrower may avail herself of longer repayment period for their loans. The package offers different repayment term options from 10 to 30 years. Monthly payments may also be fixed or varying - depending on the borrower's financial condition.

There is only one required payment every month. Borrowers just have to write a single check to a single lender. This means less hassle as the paperwork is simplified.

There are no additional fees in applying for consolidation and no prepayment charges involved.

Lastly, it allows the borrower to lock in on a low fixed interest rate for the life of the loan potentially reducing monthly payments by up to 50%.

Much like any other loan, there could be some potential disadvantages that could also result from loan consolidation. This includes a longer period for repayment and higher interest costs.

Due to the extended term of the loan, it may take a longer time to repay the loans altogether. Because of this, the accumulated interest cost over the life of the loan will result to a higher amount.

However, as the economy continues to recover, borrowers are encouraged to explore practical options such as the ACS student loans consolidation that will give them more flexibility in managing their money.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Should You Consider A Sallie Mae Student Loan Consolidation?

Sallie Mae student loans are a great way to pay for college. Sallie Mae can help you obtain federal loans along with alternative financing for students who cannot otherwise qualify. The federal loans typically have the best interest rates and payback policies. Federal loans include the Federal Stafford Loan and the Federal Perkins Loan.

The Perkins Loan is unique in that the school you attend will be the lender. Some schools will not participate in the Perkins Loan. Sallie Mae can act as the lender for a Stafford Loan, or they can act as the guarantor for the lender.

You can also get a private Sallie Mae loan if you do not meet the Federal guidelines. These loans are typically called an alternative student loan as they are personal and generally not subsidized.

Rather than going to a bank for a private loan, you should utilize Sallie Mae for a loan. The rates tend to be lower and payment terms better than you can obtain at a bank.

A federal loan has certain income and grade point restrictions. A private loan generally will not have as many restrictions and will allow you to borrow more money. The primary concern here will be with your credit score.

Many students find that they need more than one loan to pay for college, some of the loans have different interest rates, terms of payments, and payment dates. These students find that it may be advantageous to consolidate all of their loans into one Sallie Mae loan. This may, or may not, be the best thing for your situation. If you decide to consolidate your loan you may end up paying a higher interest rate, or change the terms of your loan, where the interest is now due, when previously you had an interest deferred loan. Once you consolidate your Sallie Mae student loan, you cannot go back and change it to the way it previously was.

Also, you may no need to consolidate your loans in order to get lower interest rates and one monthly payment. Sallie Mae can combine the payments from the various loans, both federal and private, into one convenient monthly payment without having to consolidate your loan.

Check with your lending institution, they can provide you with the information you need in order to make an informed decision. A Sallie Mae student loan consolidation may be the best solution for you.

Saturday, September 24, 2011

The Truth About Student Loan Consolidation

You did it
Finally, you've completed your education and now you are facing a mountain of student loan repayment notices. They might or might not be from the same lender, and possible they come from more than one degree from different universities. Right now you should be considering consolidation of student loans that dry out you wallet.

Necessary evil
Student loans are a necessary evil for students who can't afford to pay for their education expenses. It is definitely a better alternative to loan money, than it is to charge a credit card with shameful interest rates. But when those interest statements and payment notices start coming in you mail, it can be a bit scary.

Extra money
Remember the semester where you had to borrow a little extra money? Maybe you could not work as much in that period or because of other reasons. You got to eat right. Food is one of those things that you simply cannot live without. Unfortunately, not all that money was spent on necessities. Be honest now. Which is why you're properly now are facing your student loan statements in total denial. I am sure it was a fun time back then.

Avoid paying more interest
Of course you have already received solicitations from lenders that have their main focus on consolidation of student loans. You should consider this. Avoid paying more interest than you have to. One thing you must do before you consolidate student loans is to research the market and pick the best option.

Federal law
Federal law mandates that a borrower have to consolidate with the lender that lends the loans if the borrower has all loans with the same lender. If they are held by more than one lender, the borrower is free to consolidate with any of the lenders that are in the federal student loan consolidation program.

Consolidate once
Borrowers may only consolidate once. Depending on the lender there may be additional fees involved. Some companies advertise absurdly low interest rates or reduction of payment, fast approval, or other incentives. Be aware of them and make sure you read the fine print on all your offers for consolidation of student loans.

The student loan consolidation solution
Consolidation of student loans may sound like it is difficult, but it is not. If all your loans are held at the same lender it shouldn't be hard. Like student financial aid that has come from Department of Education or Sallie Mae Loans are easy to consolidate. The process can be started online for your convenience. There are some good incentives offered: reduction of interest rate up to 2% after 24 repeated withdrawal payments. Consolidation of student loans is a vital financial decision. Select it with as much care as when you picked a college major and applied for a student loan.

Friday, September 23, 2011

Wells Fargo Student Loan Consolidation Tips

During the course of your college years you can accumulate debt through various types of student loans. A stafford loan is the most common student loan available, it can be subsidized or unsubsidized and repayment is usually done in 10 year periods.

You do not start paying back your student loans until you are either out of school completely for 6 months, or 6 months after you have dropped below part-time status at a college or university. There are other options for paying back your loans such as forbearance and deferment. With a Wells Fargo Student Loan consolidation you could extent your loan up to an additional 20 years, and you could potentially lower your payments to half what they are now with consolidation.

Among the many banking services that Wells Fargo offers is a Wells Fargo Student Loan Consolidation option. You can consolidate your Federal student loans and other loans that you have for school in one easy payment. Most federal student loans can be consolidated, but keep in mind though that it is up to Wells Fargo which of your loans are eligible.

It doesn't matter if your Federal and personal loans that you originally had were from Wells Fargo or other lending companies, you can combine them into a Wells Fargo Student Loan Consolidation loan. If you consolidate your variable rate federal loans during your grace period, you could save hundreds or even thousands of dollars. With it you won't get charged for any origination, at disbursement time, and if you decide to pay it off early you will not receive any charges then either. There is also no minimum loan balance required to consolidate your loans with Wells Fargo.

Some factors to keep in mind when applying for a Wells Fargo Student Loan Consolidation loan include the fact that you can add eligible federal loans to yours during the first 180 days after disbursement. An important thing to remember is that if you are past the 180 days, you can reapply for another loan. If you apply for another consolidation loan there will be a chance of an interest rate change, which means you'll be paying a higher interest rate. It also may affect the term (length) of the loan.

It can take up to 2 months for your loan application to come through when applying through Wells Fargo, this is normal, and during that time you should make your regular payments until we let you know what your new payment will be and when you should start making them. Every person that wants to get their loans consolidated will have to apply on their own. They are not used to consolidate spouses student loans.

The benefits of it are that there's no minimum loan balance required to consolidate your loans, while working with Wells Fargo you will get personal attention. You will also get online access to your account so you can easily make payments on your loan. With all the options available it is difficult to find a better option for student loan consolidation.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Should I Consolidate My Private Student Loans?

After successfully completing a college degree, many graduates are left with mounting student loan debt which they will need to begin repaying six months after accomplishing their education goal. This triumph can feel like defeat if after the six month grace period, he or she does not have a job that pays enough to meet the minimum monthly repayment amount.

This begs the question, should I consolidate my private student loans? To get some relief from the debt, this might be a viable option to consider. Consolidation can significantly lower your monthly payments by combining separate loans into one manageable loan. Stress is also reduced because you will feel more in control of your finances and not regret continuing your education.

Why Should I Consolidate My Private Student Loans?

If reducing the amount of stress you experience every month is not reason enough to consolidate your student loans, there are other reasons to consider which might be convincing.

Having lower monthly payments will extend the repayment term, giving you additional time to payoff the loans. Several different loans mean that you may have several different interest rates which add up to one big rate. Maintaining a good credit history equals lower interest rates.

If learning that lower payments, extended repayment term, and a lower interest rate isn't enough and you are still wondering whether you should consolidate private student loans, maybe this will convince you.

Loan consolidation is not limited to certain types. If you are seriously considering consolidating, all private student loans are eligible. With a graduate degree, you can consolidate your undergraduate and graduate degree loans without the help of a cosigner. However, having a willing cosigner might help you receive an even lower interest rate.

What Information is Necessary To Consolidate?

Once you have decided that consolidating your private student loans is the right financial decision, you must be prepared to provide specific information on the application such as your name, address, social security number, contact information for personal references, detailed information on your monthly income and expenses. This information is also needed on the cosigner for your loan.

For each loan that is to be consolidated, you will need the account number; name, address and telephone number for each loan servicer; and, the loan balance and payoff amount.

Hopefully, this information has helped you consider the question, should I consolidate my private student loans.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Private Student Loan Consolidation - 3 Easy Ways To Make Sure You Get The Best Deal

Although more and more students are staying at home for the first couple of years of college, many still take the traditional route and go off to school. It doesn't take too many semesters to rack up several thousands of dollars in student loan debt. Students who went to a private college, or those who went on to get an advanced or specialty degree, typically have even more debt. If you fall into any of these categories, you funded your education with student loans.

The higher your expenses, the more likely it is you took out multiple loans. You might want to think about lumping all that debt together and looking into private student loan consolidation.

If your loans were federal, you should probably opt for federal consolidation. But, if they were private loans, private consolidation is the way to go.

Private and federal loans are different in that the former are funded by banks or other lenders, and the latter are funded by the federal government. You'll want to explore private loans with both variable and fixed interest rates. Obviously, the fixed interest rate loans may provide more stability, but they may have a higher interest rate, as well.

One big advantage is that student loans consolidation can most likely lower the amount of money you're paying out each month. The ability to save money each month on student loans offers a huge benefit to graduates who carry a lot of debt. Most recent graduates are just trying to keep their head above water, paying their monthly bills. Some also hope to start building up a balance in their savings account. High payments put a serious damper on that goal.

Another consolidation advantage is the potential to simplify your financial life. Making payments to a number of banks each month, each on a different day and for a different amount, can be a bear to manage.

3 Tips For Private Student Loan Consolidation

If you are considering private student loan consolidation, here are 3 ways to help make sure you get the best deal.

Shop Around To Get The Best Bank Rate

You'd be surprised how much money even one point off an interest rate can save you. Spending some time on the front end, shopping around for the best rate, is in your best interest in the long run. It is always worth it to spend a little more time now shopping around with multiple lenders, looking for the best rate.

Evaluate Each Potential Lender As A Company

Do research on the lenders to ensure they're reputable and that they are a company you're comfortable doing business with. Be sure to ask whether they allow for online application, whether their repayment plans easy to understand, and whether they offer any benefits to borrowers who pay their monthly bill on time.

Be sure to take notes on your conversation with each lender so you can compare them side by side. Don't rely just on your memory. Some of these details can be confusing.

Negotiate The Terms You Want

Before agreeing to anything with a lender, ensure you've already figured out what payment terms will meet your needs. The longer the period of the loan is, the lower the payment will be each month. But, don't forget this means you'll be paying more money in the long run. As a good rule of thumb, you should get the shortest term possible with a monthly payment you can afford now.

The benefits of student loans consolidation are significant, but it takes a bit of homework. Utilize these tips to make sure you get the best deal.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Secrets of Debt Consolidation Loans

This will be one of the most eye-opening experiences of your day and quite possibly can be the way for you to escape deep debt. The aspect of a debt consolidation loans experience begins and ends with the alleviation of all types of debt. The rules of the road have been altered - especially in these United States of America for consumer debt and the alleviation of such stress. After all that are exactly what all types of debt, regardless of what they are, turn into, eventually.

Stress and Aggravation

The factors that are lesser-known for this form of debt escape center around the types of loans that are to be banished. Many individuals in America today feel that only a certain type and variation of debt can be included in these debt relief loans. While that may be true for a certain percentage of niche-related debt relief firms, for the most part you have open-season on whatever types of loans and debt payments that you need to get rid of and for good.

School of Hard-Knocks

Many people head online to find out about a debt relief loans package and this is a wonderful action and a very smart as well as time-saving method for educating yourself on the many aspects of this form of debt alleviation. We are here to tell you a couple of secrets about this form of freedom and we intend on educating you on the street version of consolidation of debt.

Starters

The best way to receive the most information regarding debt consolidation is to stick right here and read, fast. We understand that your time is one of the most valuable aspects of your day so we will not beat around the proverbial bush and get on with this review on the secrets of debt relief loans.

Biggest Misnomer

The largest misconception that is really an honest mistake on both the debt professionals out there and the laws that mandate and regulate this industry centers on the types of loans that are available for consolidation. The basics are this; all unsecured types of loans and debts are normally available to consolidation loans with the exception of, nothing. Secured loans are a different animal and these need to be discussed with your debt consolidation professional for the ins and outs of what is acceptable into the program.

Debt Consolidation Loans Resources

Monday, September 19, 2011

What You Need to Know about Consolidating Student Loans

Chances are if you've taken out student loans in order to finance your education you have been, or at least will be, receiving calls and offers in the mail to consolidate your student loans. There are actually numerous advantages to consolidating your student loans. In addition to gaining a fixed interest rate you can also potentially lower your monthly payments. In the event that you begin to experience financial difficulties, you may also be able to take advantage of flexible payment options with a consolidated student loan.

Unlike other types of debt consolidation programs a student loan consolidation gives you the opportunity to combine your loans into one package with more attractive terms. You also don't have to worry about being turned down because of a bad credit score and the interest on the loan may be tax deductible. In addition, in the event of your death your survivors won't have to worry about paying it back because the debt will be discharged.

If you have a variable interest rate student loan, consolidating the loan can also help you to lock in a lower rate before the rates increase the next year. Over the length of the loan, this one step can actually help to save you a tremendous amount of money.

Of course, in addition to the advantages there are also some disadvantages of which you should be aware. One of the most important is that if you end up lowering your monthly payment you are actually extending the length of the loan and that means you'll pay more over the life of the loan due to increased interest. You can still take advantage of the other benefits of a student loan consolidation without this disadvantage; however. Just don't lower your payments unless it is really necessary.

When considering lenders for a student loan consolidation it is important that you always compare the terms of each offer made to you. Consider the interest rate and length of the repayment terms to be sure you are getting the best deal possible.

If you have a mix of both federal and private student loans, you should also be aware that while both types of loans are available to be consolidated it may not be a good idea to consolidate your federal loans and private loans together in the same package. There are stipulations on private loans that are not required on federal student loans, such as no deferments, no tax deductions on the interest, no forgiveness of the debt in the event of death and no forgiveness of the loan for working in certain fields. In the event of a mix of private and federal, it's usually best to go ahead and consolidate the private loans separately from the federal loans so that you can retain those advantages for the federal loans.

By understanding all of the factors related to student loan consolidation you will be in a better position to make a more informed decision regarding your finances.

Student Loan Consolidation Info - Raise Your Credit Score With A Consolidation Loan

A student loan consolidation can help you save money and reduce the amount of long term debt load you carry while raising your credit score at the same time. Improving your credit score over time can help you considerably as you start out in the real world and will have the need to purchase a new car, or get an apartment or maybe buy a house, and also be able to have a charge card. Lives are built on having good credit to borrow the money you need when you have started your career and have the means to make monthly payments to finance your dreams. If you are in debt with multiple student loans, take the time to investigate the benefits of getting a student consolidation loan to help you start making just one payment each month and give your credit the boost it needs by sticking to your loan consolidation payment schedule.

Here are some other tips to boost your credit score:

Lowering the amount of open accounts you have listed on your credit report will help to raise your credit score. If you are making payments on multiple student loans, a student loan consolidation can take all those open accounts and turn them into one which will boost your credit score.

The lower your payments are, the better it is for your credit score. If you have multiple loans, the minimum payments will be higher when combined than if you were showing just one student loan consolidation payment with a smaller monthly payment.

Having many lines of credit that are low amounts and maxed out will negatively affect your credit score. It is called the debt to credit ratio. They take the amount of credit you have used and compare it to the amount of credit your creditors have trusted you with. The bigger margin of difference, the higher your credit score will be. By lowering the amount of open accounts you have that are borrowed to the limit, You will be raising your credit score. This can be accomplished by getting a student loan consolidation to eliminate the need for so many open accounts.

By using the tips in this article, you will be giving your credit score the boost it needs to start moving in an upward direction so that you may enjoy all the benefits in life that come with having a good credit score.

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Ways to Pay Off Student Loans Debt

Student loans debt is the second highest form of debt facing Americans today, just after credit card debt. College financings is a catch-22 in that you took the time and expensive to build your education and plan for a better future, just to be left at the end with a mountain of debt and the need to find a job with all that education. Student loans debt is permanent, meaning you can not get rid of it with bankruptcy.

When looking for a way to deal with student loans debt, it's important to understand the different loans you have and formulate a plan to deal with and pay off each of those loans in the best way possible. There are many ways to do this, you can pay off the loans separately starting with the highest balance or highest interest rate first, while still making the minimum payments on the others, or you can consider getting a debt consolidation loan that is specifically designed for student loans.

Debt consolidation loans allow for you to take all your student loans debt and roll it over into one loan with one interest rate and one monthly payment. It works by allowing you to get another loan that then pays off all the existing loans, leaving you with the single loan. The key for this to work in your favor is to get a loan big enough to cover all your student loans debt with an interest rate lower than the ones you were paying and a monthly payment you can handle. Another way to make debt consolidation loans work better for you is to first negotiate with your creditors to see if they will take a settlement amount that is lower than the current balance. This will make your new loan smaller than it needs to be and easier to pay off.

If you want to work to pay off your student loans debt by yourself, then it's important to put together a list and some information to help you be successful in doing so. Make a list of all your student loan creditors with current balance, interest rate, monthly payment, due date and contact information. This will allow you to see the largest loans and those with the highest interest rates, which should be your first focus on paying down. While, you are working to pay those loans down you must continue to pay the minimum payments on the other loans to avoid default. Then once one loan is paid off, you take the amount you were paying and apply it to the next highest loan amount or interest rate.

Regardless of the method you choose to use to pay off your student loans debt, it's important to make the right decision for you and your financial situation in order to start your new life off on the right start.

Saturday, September 17, 2011

An Introduction To Unsecured Student Loans

There are many students in the United States who are having a hard time paying their student fees. For most student loans, it requires that you have some collateral, meaning you need to have some equity such as a home or a car before you can even about getting a student loan. So what happens if you do not have both?

I should let you know there is another type of loan known as unsecured student loan. It is particularly useful for students who have no collateral or have bad credit. Unsecured student loan is simply a student loan where the lender knows your financial situation is not good but is still willing to lend you a loan.

Usually, unsecured student loan interest rates are higher than normal student loans but that is to be expected since the lender is taking a larger risk in lending you the money.

Currently, both private and government have unsecured student loans available. I do need to advise you that if you intend to get an unsecured student loan, be prepared to be questioned intensely. That's because such loans are considered high risk by most lenders therefore they will do a lot of background checks and questioning before giving you the loan.

The advantage of an unsecured student loan is intended to pay off all your existing student loans and take up one student loan, repayable on a monthly basis. The interest rate may be higher but at least you don't have to constantly worry about paying various student loans.

Some lenders also impose a limit on the loan amount. Keep in mind the risk the lenders are taking, therefore do not expect to get a huge unsecured student loan. Usually the loan amount is below $20,000.
Like I said earlier, the advantage of taking up such a loan is that you can repay all your existing student loans and take up a new student loan. If you have a good credit, then getting a student loan consolidation plan from either private lenders or the government is fine. Unsecured student loans is really meant for students who cannot qualify for a consolidated student loan.

Nowadays living with debt is part and parcel of life. The main point of getting a student loan is to allow you to concentrate on your education without worrying about the financial part. Also I would like to mention no matter what kind of student loan you are taking, it is important to know how to manage your debt and not be drown by it. Learning how to manage your debt is more important than getting the cheapest student loan.

Friday, September 16, 2011

Best Student Loan Consolidation Companies - How to Get the Cheapest Student Loan Consolidation Rates

Whenever a student needs a debt consolidation loan, he asks a student loan consolidation company for help. People working there will help him with the multiple educational loans offering a single loan with better benefits, interest rates and terms.

If you're in doubt about the consolidation loan advantages, then you should know that you'll receive a lower interest rate that will make the monthly payments more affordable. Also, you'll be writing only a single check every month and you won't have to remember all the previous monthly payment dates.

If you're looking for a student loan consolidation company, don't choose the first one you find. Before making any decisions, you should do a little research and find the one that suits you best. If you sign with the wrong company, you might end up paying a lot more than your current payments and that's not good at all.

Take your time and analyze the market because a good student loan consolidation company must help you eliminate your debt by offering lower monthly payments with better interest rates and attractive benefits.

Usually the lenders won't ask you to pay any additional fee. That's why if you meet one that does that, you should be very careful. In this case it's recommended that you ask why they are asking you for more money.

Don't sign the loan right away even if the lender insists. Before agreeing to anything you should check out the best rates available and all the offers on the market. Also, it is very important that you read all the terms and conditions on the contract because any unwritten promises worth absolutely nothing. You sign only if all the documents are all right.

In order to be eligible for student loans, a student loan consolidation company must be accredited by the Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies.

Once you've settled for a company, check its name over the Better Business Bureau. By doing that you'll find out if there were any complains about their services. All viable companies are registered here and you can trust a loan company with your money only after a solid background check.

When dealing with a student loan consolidation company, you should do your best to obtain very low interest rates. Take your time, study their offer and sign the contract only when you feel you're ready.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Federal Student Loans Tips

Federal student loans are usually the easiest and best type of student loan that you may want to apply for, because they are provided by the government so they have better benefits and lower interest rates.

So even if you don't have much money to afford other high interest rate loans like private or personal loans, you most probably can afford this solution.

Most student first apply for a federal loan and if they are not accepted, they try other options.

But before to walk into your bank to ask for this loan, here are some ideas to help you increase your chances of acceptance...

1. Use the FAFSA Form

This is a form with which you inform the government how much money you make or your parents make, so they know how much you can afford to later pay back for your loan.

It is natural that they want to know about your financial status, whether you have a job or previous savings, and other similar information to decide about the amount of loan they agree to give you.

This is a quite long form so it is good to be prepared to fill it out for your student loan.

2. Your Student Aid Report: Tips and Advice

After you send the above form, you will soon receive something by mail called the "Student Aid Report".

In this letter, you see how much money they have decided that you are eligible to receive for your student loan. This money is given by the government to help you continue your studies.

After this, you now can accept it or reject it. If you see the amount is good you can accept and easily receive your federal student loan.

To accept the loan, simply return back the award letter.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Using Suntech Student Loans to Fund Your Education

Attending and graduating college these days is very expensive. Getting a college education is possible with Suntech student loans. These days, getting a college education can be difficult, if not impossible. Without an educational financial plan a college degree may be unattainable. Fortunately, there are now many student loans packages that are being offered to students who dream of a college diploma but could not afford one.

Suntech student loans are being expertly managed by the Collegiate Funding Services-Suntech Servicing. As the seventh largest service provider of Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP), Suntech is a company well known for its integrity and high quality loan servicing.

Suntech student loans offer a student several options but the best one is loan consolidation. Loan consolidation means that all loans are being merged into one so that there is a single major account to manage. Oftentimes, a student may need more than just one account to put himself through college. Assuming that he is granted several loans, such loans will have varying interest rates. A glaring problem with multiple accounts is the tendency to miss a payment of at least one of the accounts. Worse, the student may be charged with penalties for missed payments. This is where the beauty of the loans consolidation program comes in. It is a wise move to seek student loan consolidation advice from Suntech.

One of the first things the Suntech student loans consolidation program does is to look at all the student loans that the prospective borrower is presently carrying. Carefully analyzing the varied interest rates, Suntech will offer to the borrower the consolidation program borrower that will combine all of his federal student loans into one, resulting to reduced interest rates by as much as 50%. In many cases consolidation allows one a longer period of repayment. For instance, if the regular period of repayment is only ten years, one can be given a period of up to thirty years with the Suntech student loans consolidation program. This effectively lowers the monthly loan payment at time when money is tight.

Another great feature of this loans consolidation program is that it requires no credit checks, so even if one has no satisfactory credit rating (and this is quite common in students), he can still complete a college education through Suntech.

Suntech's student loans consolidation program will work best for those who are unable to effectively manage multiple accounts. At the same time, it will also benefit those who may have a hard time paying off their loans after graduation when to student is just entering the job market.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Benefits and Risks of Private Debt Consolidation Loans

If you have several financial obligations with different origins such as; mortgages, student loans or the most usual debts nowadays, the infamous credit cards, then a private debt consolidation loan could be the best option for you in order to get your finance back in line, while there are some risks associated to private debt consolidation loans, the benefits you get overcome the possible downsides in this subject, let see what to do and what to avoid for getting the most of your management plan.

Firstly, research and compare different private debt consolidation loan lenders, specially the interest rates, as you probably agree, the lower the interest rate the better. However, you should read thoroughly terms and conditions, sometimes there are hidden costs that it is in your best interest to be informed before make a decision. Internet makes this task easier, and you can compare several consolidation loan lenders simultaneously.

Secondly, get specialized advise from a seasoned debt counselor, sometimes, more often than not, private debt consolidation loans are not the best debt management option available, and it is not a wise decision in some cases, for example if you turn unsecured debt into secured debt. having your house used as collateral as a consequence. With the help of a trusted and legitimate debt consolidation company you should be able to design an efficient debt management plan meeting your very specific financial situation.

Thirdly, alternatives like debt settlement debt consolidation should not be discarded at all, the downside of this debt management program is that you are not rebuilding your credit, however, you pay less than what you currently owe and become debt free in less time 12-36 months, again, with the help of your debt counselor, plus a secured credit card, the downside of debt settlement consolidation program get resolved. Just make sure you are dealing with a reliable consolidation company.

Monday, September 12, 2011

Student Loan Debt Consolidation - A Perfect Decision

Student loan debt consolidation reduces the burden of debt by consolidating several debts into one. This facilitates the student to pay only one monthly payment, instead of several payments to different lenders. This gives benefits as well as saving to the students, which completely goes into their pocket. If you are choosing a student loan consolidating program then seek a friendly repayment program, which reduces the debt burden by offering other discounts and offers.

Repayment And Loan Counseling

Student loan consolidation can provide a reduction of approximately 60% on your monthly payments. Although, there are many repayment programs which benefits in different ways. So it's up to you to choose as per your needs and convenience to pay back. The student loan debt consolidation benefits the bearer in many ways. Firstly, it reduces the monthly installment amount, a low and fixed rate of interest with no fees or penalties is another benefit of consolidating the loan. Further, the interest on the consolidation loan is also deducted from the income tax.

Today there are many organizations providing student loan debt consolidation counseling. They have numerous debt schemes from which they suggest you the one, which suits you needs and repayment convenience. With this, the students can manage the consolidation loan process easily and effectively.

Availing student loan debt consolidation means that you are combining all your loans into one loan and will be making one monthly payment at a very low rate of interest. The fact behind this low rate of interest is that you have to pay back the loan in about 20-30 years, which you were originally paying back in a period of 10 years.

Tips For Choosing A Lender

The debt consolidation process is a long-term bonding; therefore, you should be careful while selecting a lender. Money is precious and when you are lending money, you need to be smart to select a lender too. While selecting the lending company, you can properly analyze following aspects:

The lending organization is not asking for any upfront fees.

The contract does not have any hidden fees, which might come up after the deal is done.

Never decide on anything in a hurry. Take time before deciding on an organization and avoid lenders who rush after you for signing the deal.

Try to take everything in written from the lending organization and never rely on verbal promises.

Always check the feedback of the lending organization on the "Better Business Bureau". Sometimes, the organizations get negative feedback, which reflects their nature of performing work. Avoid dealing with such organizations.

The companies accredited by Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies are allowed to carry out the process of debt consolidation. It is advisable to check this out before deciding on it.

With all these, you can also ask for a bargained rate of interest to get more savings in hand.

With all these tips, you will surely be never betrayed by any lending organization and get a better deal.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Find The Best Student Loan Consolidation Program

If you are struggling to pay off your student loan, you need to look into getting a debt consolidation quote. When you get a free online debt consolidation quote, you are also gaining a valuable evaluation of your financial situation. As part of the company's process when getting a free online debt consolidation quote, you will have to state your long and short-term financial goals and make a plan for your financial recovery which will help you to seriously consider your situation in a positive light. You will be able to review and update your financial recovery plan as necessary.

A Company that You can Trust

You must make sure that you get a free debt consolidation quote from a reputable company before you take the step of getting a quote from any company. By only seeking quotes from trustworthy companies, you can be sure that the company that you do choose will be there for you when you need them. Search online for reviews on the company's service and accomplishments with their clients. As part of your research, email and call a company so you will see the quality of service that the company gives to its clients.

Online Quote Process

In order to get a free online quote, you will be asked to register with their website because this will give you access to their free quote service. As a part of the evaluation process, a loan consolidation company will ask in-depth questions about your financial situation. You will have to give information in a form about your credit score, employment status and your current debts. After you have filled in their form with all required information, you will receive a quote within minutes.

Companies Who Ask for a Fee for Quotes

You might consider any company that asks for a fee for a free debt consolidation quote is only interested in your money but sometimes a reputable company will ask for a fee for their quote service. The only way to tell the difference between a good and bad company is to learn all you can about the company.

When you do research the companies for reputation, success and trustworthiness before you make any contact, you can be sure that the free online debt consolidation quotes that you receive will lead you in the right direction for your good credit.

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Medical School Student Loan Consolidation

Congratulations to you, doctor. You have completed a rigorous education of undergraduate and medical programs and survived. It takes a lot of work and a lot of money to make it through to the doctor level and you probably had to take out some student loans to get there. Most student borrowers ignore the idea of repaying their student loans until they have completed their educational programs and face them only when they have hundreds of thousands in debt coming to their mailboxes each month. You have a way out of student loans in medical student loan consolidation programs. This debt can be put into a manageable loan with a long term and low payments.

Medical Student Consolidation

Medical student loan consolidation falls under the federal student loan consolidation program which was designed to help graduates manage their debt and repay their education loans. Rather than being shackled to high monthly payments, you can consolidate to have a very low installment over an extended term. You will be better able to manage your debts without ending up with an empty bank account each month.

Doctor Benefits

When you have completed your medical school program, you can further defer your student loan payments through your residency. Medical student borrowers are usually able to defer or forbear their loans for up to three years so they do not have to worry about making payments when their salary is low. In addition to deferment options, you benefit from extremely low rates and considerably longer repayment terms. You can take more than 30 years to repay your loans with some consolidation programs.

Should you so choose, you can choose a graduate repayment program that allows you to make smaller payments in the beginning of your term and make larger payments toward the middle and end of the term. This type of plan accounts for the increases you expect in your salary as a doctor who is promoted from intern to resident to medical professional. You can always repay your medical student loan consolidation early without any penalty from the consolidator. How long you take to repay your student loans depends on your personal preference.

Friday, September 9, 2011

Best Student Loan Consolidation Interest Rate Online

Student loan consolidation interest rates are subject to various changes. It is possible for a loan to incur two different interest rates in the loan term, in that one rate is calculated during the students time in school and the other kicks in once the student graduates.

Consolidation loans have longer terms than other loans.

Students can choose terms of 10-30 years. Even if the monthly payments are lower, the sum amount paid over the loan term is higher comp aired to other loans.

Fixed interest rate is calculated as the average of the interest of the loans being consolidated, assigning relative amounts borrowed, rounded up. Some loan policy features such as the grace period for re payment are lost and do not reflect on the consolidation loan.

These make them not suitable for all borrowers.Student loan consolidation interest rates is tied to one or more financial indexes.

For instance students with good credit scores or from families with good credit history get loans at cheaper interest rates and smaller origination fee.money paid out in terms of interest is now tax deductible.

This is a fact tat most lenders omit to tell potential clients so as to avoid comparison with other lenders in the market.

In some cases lenders give rates which are very low but fail to tell the borrowers that the rates only apply to those people with good credit scores thus they find themselves paying up to six percent more, than the advertised amount nine percent higher loan fees and two thirds lower loan limits.

Student loan consolidation interest rates also varies depending on the type of loan applied for.

They are two major types namely school channel loans and direct to consumer private loans. the school channel loans are certified by the school thus offer lower interest rates however they take a longer period to process and are directly disbursed to the school on the other hand direct to consumer private loans carry higher interest rates but are accessed very quickly.

The argument behind this is that the convenience is offset by the risk of student over borrowing or misuse of funds.

Student loan consolidation interest is also determined by the buying factors, such as the perceived risk of lending to the individual as well as the financial indexes they are attached to such as stocks and money markets current trading trends.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Compare Student Loan Consolidation Rates In Choosing A Lender

One of the most important thing to consider in choosing a lender is to compare student loan consolidation rates. Most students who've graduated find it wise to consolidate student loans upon graduation. The next crucial step would have to be choosing the right lender from which to apply a student loan consolidation from. Nowadays, there are many lenders that offer you different loan consolidation programs, each with various requirements, interest rates, and etc.

This article will give you some points to consider in selecting a lender. Although it is very important for you to compare student loan consolidation rates, you should also take into account some details in choosing a loan consolidation program and a lender.

Comparing School Loan Consolidation Rates

You could cut your student loan payments by up to 50% or more if you consolidate your student loans. This could mean big savings and thousands of dollars on the life of your loan. You could also be able to lock down a low and fixed interest rate for your monthly payments.

Ask about the rates. When choosing a lender, you should ask them about the rates that they can give you. Usually, the interest rate on a consolidation loan is calculated by getting the weighted average of the interest rates (as of the date the application is received by the lender) on all the loans you are consolidating, rounded up to the nearest one-eight of a percent.

Other Things to Consider

Of course, there are other things to look into. It will also be wise if you ask your lender to figure out your monthly payments and how long it would take for you to fully pay the total loan balance. Also, you should try asking about incentives, like additional breaks on interest if you make your payments through automatic debits each month or if you consistently make on-time payments for a specific period of time.

Requirements

Lenders may ask for different requirements. There are some lenders that will require you to have a co-signor, some optional, and some do not require this at all. In lending companies that posts this as optional, having a co-signor with a good credit background will let you enjoy some benefits like lower interest rates.

There are some lenders who will ask for collateral, while there are others who don't. Some lenders also set a minimum balance policy, and the amount varies from one lender to another.

Application

Easy application process is also one thing to look for in a lender. Now, there are some lenders that provide online application that can be accomplished in just a matter of minutes. The process is quick and all information released is kept confidential. After 15 minutes of submission, you will be immediately called by a customer service representative on the contact number that you provided.

Service

In the end, it's also about service. If you're comfortable and satisfied with your current lender's service, then you can just check with them to see if they offer loan consolidation. Either that, or you can check your school's financial aid offices for a list of preferred lenders who have provided tried-and-true working experience to former students.

These are just some things to consider. So if you are choosing a lender, compare student loan consolidation rates and other details.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Debt Consolidation Loan - Invaluable Ally During Difficult Times?

The economic crisis has badly affected the confidence of the masses in the economy and their well being. Job security has become a big thing and people are adopting conservative approaches towards debt. If you want to protect yourself, then opt for debt consolidation. The primary motivation behind debt consolidation is improvement of the cash position.

If you want some extra cash in your hands, then debt consolidation is something you should consider very seriously. It will help bring down the interest rate charged on your debts - all your debts.

Amongst all your loans, your home loan will be the cheapest because the risk of the lender is mitigated by the mortgage of the house. Hence, the lender will not charge high interest on the loan.

At the opposite end of the spectrum is the credit card debt. It is unsecured and the lender has no protection if you default on repayment. Hence, banks and issuers charge high interest on this debt. You cannot avoid high interest payment on the unsecured debt.

All Your Loans Combined in One

Debt consolidation combines all your loans - secured as well as unsecured into a single loan. This will bring down the interest rate charged on your loan. Further, it will bring down your monthly payments and leave you with extra cash in your hands. Consolidate your debt and balance your budget without any difficulty.

Where is the catch?

The catch lies in the fact that your consolidated loan will stretch over a longer period of time as compared to other loans. Hence, your interest payments will be significantly higher. Short term loans are consolidated with long term loans and are repaid together. A personal loan will not extend beyond ten years.

On the other hand, a home loan may run for even 30 years. Your 10 year loan will be combined into your 25 year loan and you shall make repayment for the entire 25 year. You will be paying more on the 10 year loan. This cannot be avoided.

This feature of consolidated loans must be acknowledged and provided for. Hence, you should go in for debt consolidation only if you face the risk of losing your home or ending up in bankruptcy due to immediate cash flow problems.

A Better Option

Debt consolidation will help you tide over any crisis without any difficulty. Once things improve, you can proceed to make extra repayments to finish the debt quickly. Consolidation is much a much better option as compared to bankruptcy or foreclosure.

Debt Consolidation Loan Calculator

In these tough economic times, many people are facing seemingly insurmountable amounts of debt. Many Americans are simply living beyond their means, aided by the ease in which credit cards and limit extensions can be obtained. Credit card companies make their money off of people simply by having the accounts open. And the longer it takes individuals to pay off their debts, the more profit the credit lenders stand to make. A popular option presented to many individuals is the opportunity to 'consolidate' their debts. What this means in simple terms is that numerous different personal loans and/or credit cards can be combined into one 'debt', which the individual then makes a single payment per month on. There are numerous options for how this can be done, two of which will be outlined below. Before making a decision on the what is best for you, it is imperative to do a cost analysis on the personal benefit for each for you, and if it is even feasible. A debt loan calculator can take care of this calculation for you, like the one offered from Bankrate, or an agency that specializes in free debt consolidation counseling.

The first option available is a home equity line of credit, which is exclusive to those who are already home owners. The equity that you have in your home is defined as the difference between the current fair market value of the home versus the amount left to pay off on the mortgage. Say for example, you have a house currently worth $100,000, and owe $70,000 on your mortgage. This would mean that you have $30,000 worth of equity in your house, which a bank would then be willing to lend you a portion of (usually up to 80 percent). Based on the amount of equity you have in your home, a home equity line of credit may be an excellent debt consolidation option. For example, payments per month on $25,000 worth of credit cards can easily be more than $500, while the payment on a home equity line of credit may be considerably less, perhaps $100-200 per month depending on the associated interest rate. One important factor to keep in mind when considering a line of credit is that most banks will require for it to be paid off in a certain amount of time (say 10 years). This would most likely not be feasible if only the minimum payments were made, so plan to be able to adopt a more aggressive pay off strategy.

A second option to be looked at (especially for those who are not home owners) is transferring balances to zero interest credit cards. As stated above, credit card companies make more money the longer an account is open, primarily off the interest you must pay. Based on your credit rating, you may be able to transfer some or all of your balances to lower, or even zero percent, interest rate cards. This will save a ot of money on a month to month basis, as you will be paying off the principle balance directly rather than mostly interest. Be sure to keep an eye on the terms of the card, as the interest may suddenly jump up to outrageous rates after 12 months or so.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Consolidate Your Government Student Loans

One of the biggest burdens faced by today's students is the repayment of expensive student loans. In a day where room, board, tuition, and books can push college bills up past 20, 30, even 40 thousand dollars per year, many students are finding themselves in serious debt upon leaving college. Even with a good job lined up, you may find that you will be repaying your loans well after leaving school, after you are married, and still be paying your student loan off as your children get ready for their college education! Who needs that? You certainly don't! There may be a way for you to tackle your student loan debt in the form of a government student loan consolidation. Please keep reading for more details.

So, just what is a government student loan consolidation anyway? For starters, it is a type of loan which permits you to take several student loans, pay them off, and make monthly payments to a single lender. For example, if you have 3 outstanding loans with 3 different lenders that are due at 3 different times of the month, you may feel as if you are writing out checks just about every week. In fact, you probably are! Who needs that? You have enough to think about such as managing your hectic schedule; balancing work, family, friends, and the rest of life's tasks is enough for any one person to handle -- wouldn't it be simpler to pay a single payment each month? You bet it would!

Just where can you go to find yourself a government student loan consolidation? By searching online. Companies advertise their services to consumers and they are eager to do business with you. By shopping the internet you can locate the government student loan consolidation that is right for you. Please keep the following points in mind before selecting your loan:

Loan Rate. Will the loan be given to you at a fixed rate or at a variable rate? Can you lock in a long term fixed rate to make certain that your rate never rises?

Loan Amount. Exactly how much will the consolidator lend to you? Will the amount loaned cover the entire outstanding balance or will you have to pay the remaining funds off with a separate loan? Can you afford to do both?

Loan Term. How long will your loan take to be paid off? Will you be satisfied with making payments years after leaving college and with other responsibilities on your shoulders, i.e., new car loan, your marriage, a family, buying a home? Are there prepayment penalties if you decide to pay off your loan early?

Government student loan consolidations are fairly new and not for everyone. Make certain you understand all the "fine print" before agreeing to a new loan. You can reduce your debt to manageable levels with a government student loan consolidation if you shop wisely.

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Student Loan Debt Resolution Settlements

Settlements are the option considered by students who find it very difficult to repay the loans taken by them for their education. Settlements involve an intermediate agency that negotiates with the lender to provide the student borrower an ease in repayment.

Settlement agencies charge some fees upfront when one enrolls for their settlement program. Once a student is enrolled, the settlement agency collects some money every month from the student and accumulates it into a temporary escrow account. This money is accumulated until it is deemed suitable enough by the settlement agency to negotiate with the lender. The negotiations result in the student having to pay a reduced amount, even on the principal, and thus settle the loan. A settlement may, on the face of it, save the student even up to 50% of the loan amount.

Settlement agencies are more an advantage to the lenders than to the borrowers. They collect money from the borrower, and thus the lender is assured that they will be paid their due amount. If the student were to file for bankruptcy, then the lender would not have got anything of the due. Thus, settlement agencies work hand-in-glove with lending companies, though on the face it may seem that they exist for the borrowers' benefit.

The option of settlement must be considered by the student only in the most extreme of cases. In actuality, a settlement makes the student pay more than bargained for. Since there are no payments to the lender for several years, the loan becomes a default, incurring late charges and even interest upon interest. When the settlement company finally wishes to settle the loan, the loan has to be revived and this attracts more charges. These charges are usually hidden from the borrower. Also, settlement companies charge monthly maintenance fees from the student. Thus, a student must very carefully consider the wisdom of settlement before approaching the agency. It must also be considered if filing for bankruptcy is a better option.

The facility of settlement loans is provided for economically unstable students who cannot afford to pay the huge monthly interests. However, there are several others who avail of this facility, attracted by the lucre of getting something for nothing.

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Student Loan Consolidation Information - What You Need To Know

A consolidation loan is one that allows you to combine more than one of your student debts into a larger one with a single lending institution. The new lender uses the funds to pay off the balances of all other student loans that you have. This concept is very close to what happens in a home mortgage refinance. A student loan consolidation is available to many students with federal loan types. Some lenders also can offer you private loan consolidations.

Is There Any Cost Associated With Student Loan Consolidation?

There is no fee per say to consolidate your student loans. However, generally you will pay slightly more with your consolidated loan because of a longer repayment period. This occurs because you are paying less each month on your loan and there is a higher balance due to pooling many loans into one larger one. So this causes you to pay more towards interest over the term of the debt.

An important note to keep in mind is that you should under no circumstances pay a fee in advance to consolidate your student loans. If you are asked to pay an up front fee, it is most likely a loan scam. Do not enter into a loan with an up front fee.

Can Anyone Consolidate Their Loans?

Generally both parents and student borrowers are allowed to consolidate educational loans. However, you may not consolidate loans between different borrowers. Consolidation can only occur between the same borrower of the loans. They can however consolidate their loans separately. Another thing to keep in mind is that students that are married are no longer allowed to consolidate their student loans together. This is actually a good thing because if the couple were to get divorced then each of them would be responsible for the full amount of the debt. To avoid problems this provision was enacted to avoid this detail.

Another important detail is that students cannot consolidate their loans while still attending school. You may only consolidate your debts in the grace period or during debt repayment.

Can I Consolidate My Loans With Any Lender?

Yes. You may consolidate your debts with any lender. This is good news because it will allow you to shop around for the best interest rate on your consolidation loan. Something to keep in mind is that most lenders will only offer a consolidation loan with a minimum balance of at least $7,500.

Friday, September 2, 2011

Tips on How to Get the Best Student Loan Consolidation Rates

Many students are facing tremendous student loan debts. If you find yourself seriously considering consolidating your various students loan into one, here are some important tips that you have to consider in getting the best student loan consolidation rates.

What is a student loan consolidation rate? It is one of the most important factor that will determine the cost of borrowing money that will assist you in getting a higher education. Different companies offer different rates. Before you make any decision which institution where you want your loans consolidated, you have to analyze the interest rates they offer.

First, the rate in compounding the various loans should be lower than any of the individual loans. It would definitely be to your advantage if you can get the lowest interest rate there is. As you compound these loans, you will be getting one single loan with a single rate and a single payment every month. Depending on how long you want your repayment period to be, it will help you determine exactly how much you will be paying as a whole. A lower interest would mean a lower total payment.

Interest rate use to consolidate your loans should be fixed; meaning the rate you started out with will remain the same for the whole period of the loan. It is unavoidable due to the market trend that interest rates will go up in time. So even if you take advantage of a more competitive rate, there is a chance that it will increase and you will end up paying a bigger amount of money. You wouldn't want this to happen. Securing a loan with even the slightest difference in interest rate can save you money.

While shopping for consolidating firms, it is also to your advantage if you can ask for additional benefits from lenders. There are some who offers extra bonuses especially if you are up to date in payment or you signed up for an automatic withdraw payment from your savings or checking account. These slight interest rate discounts can be helpful in saving you money while you pay off your loan.

There are many lending institutions who offer consolidation as a means for you to get out of your financial setback. However, it is still to your advantage that you should take the time to scout for one that offers a competitive interest rate that will save you money in the long run.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

The Untold Truth About Government Debt Consolidation Loans

Government debt consolidation loans fall into a specific category of loans offered through different government programs. These loans are designed to pay off multiple debts by consolidating them into a single payment. This enables individuals to decrease their monthly financial commitment into a more manageable monthly sum. Most debt consolidation programs also lower the interest rate significantly by securing the loan which also decreases the total repayment amount over the term of the loan.

These are similar to other types of loans except that they are initiated through government programs instead of traditional lending institutions. The federal government offers a variety of programs, for example, that target students who are carrying debt associated with their education. These student loans can often accumulate to sums that, when combined with high-interest credit card debt and other types of loans, can become unmanageable for many recent graduates. A government debt consolidation loan program is often a helpful choice for individuals in this type of situation..

What many people do not realize is that most debt consolidation loans will come with a price tag attached. In other words, you will pay for this service. If you are in a financial situation where you are not able to make your monthly payments, however, a debt consolidation loan will actually save you money in the long run. It can also help to prevent damage to your credit score.

You should schedule a free consultation before making a decision. Most programs will also communicate with creditors on your behalf to make all the necessary arrangement to consolidate your debt. To prepare for your initial consultation, you will need to assemble all the information on your current balances and other creditor and loan information. You should also ask for references and make sure you fully understand the terms of the contract before proceeding.

A government debt consolidation program can be a financial lifesaver for individuals who find themselves unable to keep up with high-interest loan payments. Many will also require financial counseling to help with managing future spending habits and to avoid accumulating more debt.

Taking advantage of a government debt consolidation loan can help you to quickly escape financial hardship while maintaining a good credit score.