Student loans come in two varieties: federal student loans and private education loans. Most people have government loans because they're easier to get and generally have better terms for repayment, but many have private loans only or both private and federal loans. Have you ever looked into the consolidation of private student loans?
Private loans usually can't be lumped together with government loans. You'll have to do that separately. (Even if you can consolidate your government loans through a private lender, you don't want to. You'll lose the flexibility of government consolidation programs if you do.) Private loans must be consolidated from a private lender, so you're essentially just trading in a bunch of private loans for one private loan.
The main benefit of consolidating private loans is having a single loan instead of multiple ones, so you only need to make one monthly payment. It may also let you choose lower monthly payments if you stretch out the life of the loan-this costs more in interest over the long run but does lower monthly payments.
The interest rate of private consolidation loans may be fixed or variable. They are generally about the same as current rates on home equity loans. So one idea to consider if you have a variable interest rate would be to repay the entire balance of the loan using a fixed interest rate home equity loan. You are effectively giving yourself a fixed rate student consolidation loan!
Private consolidation loans' interest rates are determined by your credit score, so if you know your credit rating has significantly improved since you first took out the loan consolidation might be a really good idea.
It really pays to shop around before signing with any one private consolidation company. Unlike federal consolidation, private consolidation loans' terms are not set by the government so there can be a wide variety between one lender's terms and another's.
All have their own interest rates, repayment schedules, and required monthly minimum payments. The fees a private consolidator charges up front will vary, and some carry prepayment penalties while others don't. This is very important to know about a consolidator before signing with them. You don't want to get your act together, pay off the entire balance early, and then get slapped with a heavy fine for violating the loan terms!
If you've got more than one private student loan from your university days still hanging around, look into consolidation of private student loans and see if it is something that would benefit you. Just be aware to read the fine print of each lender carefully and be sure you understand the terms of the specific company who handles your consolidation.
If you are wanting to save money and make things less of a hassle then consolidation of private student loans programs is the reasonable way to go. For more on this and everything you need on consolidating your student debt, visit http://StudentConsolidationLoan101.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adam_Hefner
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Canadian Student Loan Consolidation
As recently as January 21, 2009, CTV News reported that "Canadians who have pursued post-secondary studies now owe the federal government $13 billion in outstanding loans, according to new figures from the Canadian Federation of Students.
The CFS says Canada Student Loan debt increases by $1.2 million per day and will cross the $13 billion mark on Wednesday."
CFS national chairperson Katherine Giroux-Bougard told CTV that "the government must do more to help stem the growing levels of Canadian student debt." She added, "What the priority of the government should be is really to make post-secondary education affordable," she said.
Now the scary part is that all we keep focused on is longer finance terms. Here's my simple thinking: Why doesn't the government offer companies who hire these debt-laden students, a specific tax break. As part of the hiring process, companies could assume part or all of the student debt. The companies are after all the ones who gain the most in hiring these highly educated people. They should play a role in the debt financing as well. We used to fund apprentice programs remember or am I showing my age? Don't answer that.
It solves many issues. Instead of the government just backing loans and extending payment terms, let's transfer the debt to the companies who benefit the most, through a specific tax break. It will essentially free up government from backing loans, and free the student from a rather unrealistic debt. Now I realize this just seems too easy, but then again, we really seem to always make it more complicated that it has to be.
Some employers still assert that they like their employees to be in debt, that means they need their job more. This of course is old fashioned moronic thinking! More modern companies want to see their employees flourish and enjoy the good things life has to offer versus having to have a night job and work weekends just to barely keep up. A happy employee becomes an inspired worker who gives and achieves more. But this is reserved for the very special few employers who look at their employees through a holistic looking glass and not some tired old sweat shop mentality.
Okay have I stepped over the line here? Well at least it got you thinking. Whether you agree or not, I think you will concur that we simply can not lose sight of what these students mean to our future.
You know $13 billion in student loans is only the tip of the iceberg. Look at the transfer payments that provincial governments already give to post secondary institutions. The U of T alone gets almost a billion a year, from the province of Ontario to offset their tuition costs. And these huge transfer payments happen every year!
And what happened at York University recently is just unconscionable! Students held at ransom, they seem to be the only one's with no real voice in all this. Well that's my rant on the subject. I know nothing much will change and students will continue to be stuck with these massive debts.
About The Author: Mike Perras is a retired media executive and college professor. He started a blog recently on Canadian Student Loan Consolidation. Canadian student loan consolidation is with us to stay I'm afraid and we might as well just work together and figure a way to help students manage what may soon be a crisis in this country.
What's the alternative? Students staying away from school? And what would that cost? Forecasts already tell us we'll be a million skilled workers short in Canada in just a few short years. Clearly, we need students in school!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Perras
The CFS says Canada Student Loan debt increases by $1.2 million per day and will cross the $13 billion mark on Wednesday."
CFS national chairperson Katherine Giroux-Bougard told CTV that "the government must do more to help stem the growing levels of Canadian student debt." She added, "What the priority of the government should be is really to make post-secondary education affordable," she said.
Now the scary part is that all we keep focused on is longer finance terms. Here's my simple thinking: Why doesn't the government offer companies who hire these debt-laden students, a specific tax break. As part of the hiring process, companies could assume part or all of the student debt. The companies are after all the ones who gain the most in hiring these highly educated people. They should play a role in the debt financing as well. We used to fund apprentice programs remember or am I showing my age? Don't answer that.
It solves many issues. Instead of the government just backing loans and extending payment terms, let's transfer the debt to the companies who benefit the most, through a specific tax break. It will essentially free up government from backing loans, and free the student from a rather unrealistic debt. Now I realize this just seems too easy, but then again, we really seem to always make it more complicated that it has to be.
Some employers still assert that they like their employees to be in debt, that means they need their job more. This of course is old fashioned moronic thinking! More modern companies want to see their employees flourish and enjoy the good things life has to offer versus having to have a night job and work weekends just to barely keep up. A happy employee becomes an inspired worker who gives and achieves more. But this is reserved for the very special few employers who look at their employees through a holistic looking glass and not some tired old sweat shop mentality.
Okay have I stepped over the line here? Well at least it got you thinking. Whether you agree or not, I think you will concur that we simply can not lose sight of what these students mean to our future.
You know $13 billion in student loans is only the tip of the iceberg. Look at the transfer payments that provincial governments already give to post secondary institutions. The U of T alone gets almost a billion a year, from the province of Ontario to offset their tuition costs. And these huge transfer payments happen every year!
And what happened at York University recently is just unconscionable! Students held at ransom, they seem to be the only one's with no real voice in all this. Well that's my rant on the subject. I know nothing much will change and students will continue to be stuck with these massive debts.
About The Author: Mike Perras is a retired media executive and college professor. He started a blog recently on Canadian Student Loan Consolidation. Canadian student loan consolidation is with us to stay I'm afraid and we might as well just work together and figure a way to help students manage what may soon be a crisis in this country.
What's the alternative? Students staying away from school? And what would that cost? Forecasts already tell us we'll be a million skilled workers short in Canada in just a few short years. Clearly, we need students in school!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Perras
Friday, May 22, 2009
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.
Dean Shainin offers online resources, tools, information and more articles on the many benefits of student loan consolidation, visit this site: http://www.studentloanconsolidationtips.com
Get a free report for your student debt consolidation from his website at: http://www.studentloanconsolidationtips.com/Articles/Student_Loan_Consolidation.php
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dean_Shainin
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.
Dean Shainin offers online resources, tools, information and more articles on the many benefits of student loan consolidation, visit this site: http://www.studentloanconsolidationtips.com
Get a free report for your student debt consolidation from his website at: http://www.studentloanconsolidationtips.com/Articles/Student_Loan_Consolidation.php
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dean_Shainin
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Direct Student Loan Consolidation Could Be the Best of the Lot
When in order to reduce your existing loan burden you decide to opt for the student loan consolidation, you will have to decide the plan that is most suitable for you. Direct student loan consolidation is considered best for many experts owing to its unique features.
The traditional advantages derived are flexible plans of repayment of your loans and reduction in the interest rates, and lowering of premium by 53%. However the feature that makes such loan consolidation process unique is the deferment and forbearance options that you get.
Types of direct student loan consolidation
Like others there are also various types of this. These are -
• The Stafford and PLUS loan consolidation plans.
• Direct Stafford and PLUS loan consolidation plans.
• Direct loan consolidation plans.
• Obtaining loan bills from the Center for direct loan servicing.
• Ford Federal program for direct loan consolidation.
• Direct lending school loan consolidation program.
The uses of the direct student loan consolidation
Obviously when you opt for this or any such student loan consolidation plan you will be concerned about the interest to be paid. Internet has solved the problem of getting the required information altogether. You can have all the information on student loan consolidation interest rates on line using the Internet.
Two methods of obtaining the information to learn about the benefits of the direct student loan consolidation plan are requesting for the free information packet or going through the step by step tutorials provide by many consolidators on line. There are also independent reviews available reading which you can form your opinion.
Apply online for direct student loan consolidation
Good news for you is that neither you will have to run to the federal or private provider's offices nor you have to go for a mediator who will perform all tasks for you. You can simply log on to the website of the consolidator and get the required information, apply online, and get approved also online.
Of course you may have doubts and it is better to have them cleared instead of suffering at the end of it landing with wrong choice. This can be effectively achieved by going through the frequently asked questions sections of the website where you have logged on for online application and approval.
Direct Student Loan Consolidation benefits
Traditional benefits available in respect of all other student loan consolidation plans like lowering the premium, extending the repayment period up to 30 years, and reducing the overall payments are available in direct student loan consolidation plan.
You will however have to fulfill certain requirements to be eligible for the direct student loan consolidation. For example you must have federal student loan worth $10,000 and must not have defaulted at any time.
Student loan consolidation process with lower rate of interest would be a great relief for the otherwise financially constrained family. They will now have more savings to look after divergent interests of the family members. That is why lowering the student loan consolidation rates are extremely essential to save your economy from disaster.
Daisy Wilson is one of the renowned authors on student loan consolidation. Presently she is the professor of economics in a leading American University and has been writing articles on student loan consolidation rates periodically in Economic Times and in many other magazines.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daisy_Wilson
The traditional advantages derived are flexible plans of repayment of your loans and reduction in the interest rates, and lowering of premium by 53%. However the feature that makes such loan consolidation process unique is the deferment and forbearance options that you get.
Types of direct student loan consolidation
Like others there are also various types of this. These are -
• The Stafford and PLUS loan consolidation plans.
• Direct Stafford and PLUS loan consolidation plans.
• Direct loan consolidation plans.
• Obtaining loan bills from the Center for direct loan servicing.
• Ford Federal program for direct loan consolidation.
• Direct lending school loan consolidation program.
The uses of the direct student loan consolidation
Obviously when you opt for this or any such student loan consolidation plan you will be concerned about the interest to be paid. Internet has solved the problem of getting the required information altogether. You can have all the information on student loan consolidation interest rates on line using the Internet.
Two methods of obtaining the information to learn about the benefits of the direct student loan consolidation plan are requesting for the free information packet or going through the step by step tutorials provide by many consolidators on line. There are also independent reviews available reading which you can form your opinion.
Apply online for direct student loan consolidation
Good news for you is that neither you will have to run to the federal or private provider's offices nor you have to go for a mediator who will perform all tasks for you. You can simply log on to the website of the consolidator and get the required information, apply online, and get approved also online.
Of course you may have doubts and it is better to have them cleared instead of suffering at the end of it landing with wrong choice. This can be effectively achieved by going through the frequently asked questions sections of the website where you have logged on for online application and approval.
Direct Student Loan Consolidation benefits
Traditional benefits available in respect of all other student loan consolidation plans like lowering the premium, extending the repayment period up to 30 years, and reducing the overall payments are available in direct student loan consolidation plan.
You will however have to fulfill certain requirements to be eligible for the direct student loan consolidation. For example you must have federal student loan worth $10,000 and must not have defaulted at any time.
Student loan consolidation process with lower rate of interest would be a great relief for the otherwise financially constrained family. They will now have more savings to look after divergent interests of the family members. That is why lowering the student loan consolidation rates are extremely essential to save your economy from disaster.
Daisy Wilson is one of the renowned authors on student loan consolidation. Presently she is the professor of economics in a leading American University and has been writing articles on student loan consolidation rates periodically in Economic Times and in many other magazines.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daisy_Wilson
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Is Federal Student Loan Consolidation A Good Idea If You Have Student Debt?
All across the United States many people, young and more mature are choosing to continue with their education. For the most part, that results in applying for a student loan in order to pay the exorbitant costs of higher education. After all, college fees have risen significantly over the past few years. It has now become the question of everyone, can I afford to continue with further education?
If this is a question that you have asked yourself, then please continue to read this article.
The cost of university or college has risen drastically over the past few decades, leaving many students with the stress and strain of worrying how they are going to pay for their education.
This normally means that for a large number of students it is necessary that they require more than one loan. This will result, in most cases, with students having these debts to pay once they have graduated. Often, the employment that is found after graduation is entry level or low paying, therefore the student is left with huge debts that leave them not knowing which way to turn and causing worry and stress which can in effect make a difference with their concentration levels whilst working.
There is hope for those students that don't know which bills to prioritize and pay first every month.
Federal student loan consolidation has been designed to assist the graduate by consolidating all of their student debts into one manageable fee to pay at the end of every month. This makes it much easier only having to write one check at the end of every month, instead of a quantity of checks to different companies.
There are different programs that meet the needs of almost everyone that should apply. Each of the programs also endeavor to have varying interest rate.
When it is first decided to apply for a federal student loan consolidation, it is highly important that you first of all research the subject as much as possible. Don’t rush into to a rash decision. Be sure that you can afford the repayments when the time comes and be sure to read all relevant information thoroughly before making the decision to continue with the application.
By going on-line and doing a simple Google search, you will find millions of links to relevant information regarding federal student loan consolidation. You will find millions of links that can assist you in making a decision.
Ask questions until only you are satisfied that you understand the process fully. Remember that once you have signed the papers to a loan agreement, it is a legal and binding contract that you will have to adhere to and that you will have great difficulty trying to back out of.
Never make an agreement that you can pay a certain amount of money each month, until you are 100% sure that you will be able to meet that obligation. Also be sure that the amount of your obligation will continue to allow you to pay your regular monthly bills.
There are many benefits to federal student loan consolidation. A much lower interest rate is offered in order to make is easier to undergo the repayment process. Also, when applying for this type of loan, you will not need any co-signers, nor is a credit check undertaken. It is normally a very efficient process, however it is important to remember that the interest rate will be higher.
UA federal student consolidation loan is not the same as any other type of loan, there are no fees or charges to apply. Also, there are no charges or penalties for early repayment. This is a welcome relief to many people who have sufficient monthly repayments.
It is possible to apply for a federal student consolidation loan with any lender of your choice. There are a quantity of different lenders that give most student loans. However, if all of your loans happen to be through just one lender, you must apply for your federal student consolidation loan with that same lender.
Federal student consolidation loans offer a way to make repayment easier for those graduates that already have sufficient stress, making it a little easier on life. Please remember to visit a reputable lending institution, whereby they can offer you different plans and much advice on which loan would be right for you. Never make the decision to apply for a Federal Student Consolidation Loan with doing your homework first. Be sure that it is the right decision for you.
Ken Black is a writer and owner of many financial websites. Visit Debt Relief Today for lots of more information on Federal Student Loan Consolidation.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ken_Black
If this is a question that you have asked yourself, then please continue to read this article.
The cost of university or college has risen drastically over the past few decades, leaving many students with the stress and strain of worrying how they are going to pay for their education.
This normally means that for a large number of students it is necessary that they require more than one loan. This will result, in most cases, with students having these debts to pay once they have graduated. Often, the employment that is found after graduation is entry level or low paying, therefore the student is left with huge debts that leave them not knowing which way to turn and causing worry and stress which can in effect make a difference with their concentration levels whilst working.
There is hope for those students that don't know which bills to prioritize and pay first every month.
Federal student loan consolidation has been designed to assist the graduate by consolidating all of their student debts into one manageable fee to pay at the end of every month. This makes it much easier only having to write one check at the end of every month, instead of a quantity of checks to different companies.
There are different programs that meet the needs of almost everyone that should apply. Each of the programs also endeavor to have varying interest rate.
When it is first decided to apply for a federal student loan consolidation, it is highly important that you first of all research the subject as much as possible. Don’t rush into to a rash decision. Be sure that you can afford the repayments when the time comes and be sure to read all relevant information thoroughly before making the decision to continue with the application.
By going on-line and doing a simple Google search, you will find millions of links to relevant information regarding federal student loan consolidation. You will find millions of links that can assist you in making a decision.
Ask questions until only you are satisfied that you understand the process fully. Remember that once you have signed the papers to a loan agreement, it is a legal and binding contract that you will have to adhere to and that you will have great difficulty trying to back out of.
Never make an agreement that you can pay a certain amount of money each month, until you are 100% sure that you will be able to meet that obligation. Also be sure that the amount of your obligation will continue to allow you to pay your regular monthly bills.
There are many benefits to federal student loan consolidation. A much lower interest rate is offered in order to make is easier to undergo the repayment process. Also, when applying for this type of loan, you will not need any co-signers, nor is a credit check undertaken. It is normally a very efficient process, however it is important to remember that the interest rate will be higher.
UA federal student consolidation loan is not the same as any other type of loan, there are no fees or charges to apply. Also, there are no charges or penalties for early repayment. This is a welcome relief to many people who have sufficient monthly repayments.
It is possible to apply for a federal student consolidation loan with any lender of your choice. There are a quantity of different lenders that give most student loans. However, if all of your loans happen to be through just one lender, you must apply for your federal student consolidation loan with that same lender.
Federal student consolidation loans offer a way to make repayment easier for those graduates that already have sufficient stress, making it a little easier on life. Please remember to visit a reputable lending institution, whereby they can offer you different plans and much advice on which loan would be right for you. Never make the decision to apply for a Federal Student Consolidation Loan with doing your homework first. Be sure that it is the right decision for you.
Ken Black is a writer and owner of many financial websites. Visit Debt Relief Today for lots of more information on Federal Student Loan Consolidation.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ken_Black
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Federal Student Loan Consolidation Made Easy
Federal programs
There are two federal student loan consolidation programs in the united states that allow a student to consolidate all student loans into one single loan:
1. The federal family education loan program
2. Federal direct student loan program
the above two programs were established to address the following loan types:
* Stafford loans * Plus loans * Perkins loans
The offer of fixed interest rate for the whole loan life cycle is one key characteristic of consolidation loans by federal government targeting at students.
A brief history of the federal program
The federal student loan consolidation program was created in 1986 to allow graduates with more than one federal loan to consolidate them all into one single loan package. Such consolidated loans had a variable interest rate from 1986 to 1998 but in 1998, the us congress acted to convert the variable rate to one of a fixed rate weighted average. The latter came into force on February 1, 1999. Before this time, a consolidated student loan from federal government used to have a variable rate. That rate was determined by either the university or the lender, whoever is the loan originator.
In 2005, the government accountability office (GAO) stepped in, took under consideration the savings of consolidating all of the consolidation loans. On the basis of future variations in interest rates, loan volume, percent of defaults and cost estimates from the department of education, GAO concluded that this would cost an additional $46 million. GAO also concluded that this cost would be offset by a savings of $3,100 million which was in part by avoiding a $2,500 million cost in subsidies.
Interest implications
When compared with student loans offered by federal government, the term of payment for federal consolidation loans is longer. It can range anything from ten to thirty years. Even though monthly repayments are lower, the overall cost of the term of the loan is actually higher than with other federal student loans.
The fixed interest rate is derived from using a weighted average of the consolidated loan interest rates. This is done by assigning relative weights according to the amounts borrowed and then rounded up to the nearest 0.125%, but capped at 8.25% interest. Post-graduation grace periods and special forgiveness circumstances are two features of the original loans that have not been carried over to the consolidation loans.
Don't rush to decide
if you have existing loans that cost you considerable money, despair not. Consolidating your loans may be the way to go. However, it is important to appreciate the fact that federal student loan consolidation is not always suitable for every borrower with federal student loan payment.
Ray Young trains elementary school trainee teachers part-time at a teacher training college, and is passionate about helping people becoming financially more prudent and independent through writing and publishing online. He writes on topics like Health Care Insurance. Making it to college or university will be one of the best things that you can ever do to get to the places you want in life. Never let money come in the way to stop you from going to college when you can't pay for the education yourself. To get all the insights and help you need on How To Financially Support Yourself Through College, check out Student Loan Consolidation.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ray_Young
There are two federal student loan consolidation programs in the united states that allow a student to consolidate all student loans into one single loan:
1. The federal family education loan program
2. Federal direct student loan program
the above two programs were established to address the following loan types:
* Stafford loans * Plus loans * Perkins loans
The offer of fixed interest rate for the whole loan life cycle is one key characteristic of consolidation loans by federal government targeting at students.
A brief history of the federal program
The federal student loan consolidation program was created in 1986 to allow graduates with more than one federal loan to consolidate them all into one single loan package. Such consolidated loans had a variable interest rate from 1986 to 1998 but in 1998, the us congress acted to convert the variable rate to one of a fixed rate weighted average. The latter came into force on February 1, 1999. Before this time, a consolidated student loan from federal government used to have a variable rate. That rate was determined by either the university or the lender, whoever is the loan originator.
In 2005, the government accountability office (GAO) stepped in, took under consideration the savings of consolidating all of the consolidation loans. On the basis of future variations in interest rates, loan volume, percent of defaults and cost estimates from the department of education, GAO concluded that this would cost an additional $46 million. GAO also concluded that this cost would be offset by a savings of $3,100 million which was in part by avoiding a $2,500 million cost in subsidies.
Interest implications
When compared with student loans offered by federal government, the term of payment for federal consolidation loans is longer. It can range anything from ten to thirty years. Even though monthly repayments are lower, the overall cost of the term of the loan is actually higher than with other federal student loans.
The fixed interest rate is derived from using a weighted average of the consolidated loan interest rates. This is done by assigning relative weights according to the amounts borrowed and then rounded up to the nearest 0.125%, but capped at 8.25% interest. Post-graduation grace periods and special forgiveness circumstances are two features of the original loans that have not been carried over to the consolidation loans.
Don't rush to decide
if you have existing loans that cost you considerable money, despair not. Consolidating your loans may be the way to go. However, it is important to appreciate the fact that federal student loan consolidation is not always suitable for every borrower with federal student loan payment.
Ray Young trains elementary school trainee teachers part-time at a teacher training college, and is passionate about helping people becoming financially more prudent and independent through writing and publishing online. He writes on topics like Health Care Insurance. Making it to college or university will be one of the best things that you can ever do to get to the places you want in life. Never let money come in the way to stop you from going to college when you can't pay for the education yourself. To get all the insights and help you need on How To Financially Support Yourself Through College, check out Student Loan Consolidation.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ray_Young
Monday, May 4, 2009
Student Loan Consolidation - A Helpful Financial Aid Option
Having a stressful time paying off your student loans? Monthly payments too high to handle? Feel that your interest rate is too high? If any of these questions describe your current situation with student loans, you may want to consider student loan consolidation. First of all, let's answer the question of what this is.
Student loan consolidation is the process of combining all of your individual student loans into a single loan from a single lender. While doing this will not really save you any money in the end (in fact, it may cost you more due to greater interest accumulation), consolidating your loans allows you to lower your monthly payments by extending the repayment period (by up to 30 years), which will make the process of paying off the loan much less stressful. By consolidating, you will have enough money to comfortably afford other costs like car payments, rent, and additional expenses in your life. In addition to this, you will have other benefits such as a single monthly payment, possible fixed interest rates, and a good chance to improve your credit (since successfully paying off the loan will be easier). Although extending your loan period will mean that you pay more in interest in the end, if it means easing the stress of paying back what you borrowed then it may be worth it.
There are consolidation programs available for both federal and private student loans. You should consolidate your federal and private loans separately, as consolidating them together will mean that you lose the benefits that come with federal loan consolidation.
For private student loan consolidation, you will take all of your private loans to a lender of your choosing and consolidate them there. For private consolidation loans, you will have benefits such as getting a better interest rate if you have better credit, chances for interest rate reductions (for example, if you sign up for automatic monthly payments from your bank account), and the chance to start off with interest-only payments. However, some drawbacks to private student loan consolidation are not having a fixed interest rate, being required to have a credit check (bad credit can mean you aren't eligible), and a minimum required balance in borrowed money to be eligible for private consolidation. One other benefit of private student loan consolidation is that if you have improved your credit since originally attaining your loans, you may be eligible to lower your current interest rates by consolidating.
You are eligible for federal student loan consolidation if you have borrowed money from the government to pay for college. Some benefits of federal student loan consolidation include having a fixed interest rate, alternate repayment plans, no need for a credit check, and not needing a minimum balance in federal loans to be eligible. As far as drawbacks, they are the same as you will find with any student consolidation loan (mainly paying more in interest and having the "burden" of the loan for a longer period of time). Also note that there are two different federal student loan consolidation programs, FDSLP (also known as a "Direct Loan") and FFELP.
In conclusion, if you are interested in lowering your monthly payments, extending your repayment period, lowering your interest, and/or improving your credit, you should definitely look into consolidating your student loans. When making the decisions, just weight how it will benefit you against the drawbacks that exist, such as larger costs in interest. Student Loan Consolidation may cost you more, but it can definitely make paying off student loans less of a burden.
Money for College Students ~ 5 minutes reading this blog could save you thousands of dollars in financial aid!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_L._Johnson
Student loan consolidation is the process of combining all of your individual student loans into a single loan from a single lender. While doing this will not really save you any money in the end (in fact, it may cost you more due to greater interest accumulation), consolidating your loans allows you to lower your monthly payments by extending the repayment period (by up to 30 years), which will make the process of paying off the loan much less stressful. By consolidating, you will have enough money to comfortably afford other costs like car payments, rent, and additional expenses in your life. In addition to this, you will have other benefits such as a single monthly payment, possible fixed interest rates, and a good chance to improve your credit (since successfully paying off the loan will be easier). Although extending your loan period will mean that you pay more in interest in the end, if it means easing the stress of paying back what you borrowed then it may be worth it.
There are consolidation programs available for both federal and private student loans. You should consolidate your federal and private loans separately, as consolidating them together will mean that you lose the benefits that come with federal loan consolidation.
For private student loan consolidation, you will take all of your private loans to a lender of your choosing and consolidate them there. For private consolidation loans, you will have benefits such as getting a better interest rate if you have better credit, chances for interest rate reductions (for example, if you sign up for automatic monthly payments from your bank account), and the chance to start off with interest-only payments. However, some drawbacks to private student loan consolidation are not having a fixed interest rate, being required to have a credit check (bad credit can mean you aren't eligible), and a minimum required balance in borrowed money to be eligible for private consolidation. One other benefit of private student loan consolidation is that if you have improved your credit since originally attaining your loans, you may be eligible to lower your current interest rates by consolidating.
You are eligible for federal student loan consolidation if you have borrowed money from the government to pay for college. Some benefits of federal student loan consolidation include having a fixed interest rate, alternate repayment plans, no need for a credit check, and not needing a minimum balance in federal loans to be eligible. As far as drawbacks, they are the same as you will find with any student consolidation loan (mainly paying more in interest and having the "burden" of the loan for a longer period of time). Also note that there are two different federal student loan consolidation programs, FDSLP (also known as a "Direct Loan") and FFELP.
In conclusion, if you are interested in lowering your monthly payments, extending your repayment period, lowering your interest, and/or improving your credit, you should definitely look into consolidating your student loans. When making the decisions, just weight how it will benefit you against the drawbacks that exist, such as larger costs in interest. Student Loan Consolidation may cost you more, but it can definitely make paying off student loans less of a burden.
Money for College Students ~ 5 minutes reading this blog could save you thousands of dollars in financial aid!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_L._Johnson
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