Thursday, August 30, 2007

How Do You Shorten Student Loans

Wouldn't you love to be able to pay a good portion of your student loans even before you leave school, which many students do not even consider while they are buried in books. It might require you to think outside the box with your student loans so you take care of your payments better than the average student.

I recently saw a study created by the National Post-Secondary Financial Program. I was not surprised to see that the results showed that nearly two-thirds of college students struggle to pay loans during school and they unfortunately graduate with a bachelor's degree and student loan debt. Then on top of that students leaving school with federal student loans have an average debt of nearly $20,000.

Wouldn't you rather put that money in a business, a car payment, or a down payment for a mortgage? I definitely would.

Even after you find an appealing student loan option and even if you take it still look for a better deal if you can. There are going to be times during your 4 years at school where you find the right loan with the right payment amounts and interest rates.

Search through the large list of non-profit and private student loans out there that are willing to offer loan consolidation that will ease your burden with debt. Be careful if you have a federal student loan because it is probable that you will see a hike in interest rates during your contract. That means more money, more payments, more interest, and more years.

The last thing you want to do is worry about more bills along with utilities, rent or a mortgage, car payments, eventually insurance of every kind, children bills, and really the list never ends. I was shocked to see all of the random payments that I didn't realize.

Student loan consolidation could help you make larger payments with fix rates and take chunks out of the principle. Where many students it could take 20-30 years, you may be able to get it done in 10 years or maybe even shorter. You will have to worry about a mortgage probably, don't make your student loan a 30 year bill too.

Consolidating student loans are possible for the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFEL), along with credit unions, secondary markets, banks, and plenty of other lenders will provide similar options. These are all worthy alternatives for you to take a look at during your undergraduate. I know many of you students are probably already getting tired of reading, but I wouldn't recommend it if it didn't mean more cash in your wallet and more time on your watch.

You will actually find out that many federal education loans are capable of being consolidated whether they are subsidized or not. Some of these include Stafford Loans, Perkins Loans, and Federal Nursing Loans. Whatever loan you may have, make sure to check your terms to see your rights and responsibilities.

Avoid Payday Loans For Debt Consolidation

Debt consolidation harms consumers’ financial situation when they make bad choices and obtain a risky loan. Among the worst loans consumers use for debt consolidation, payday loans often lead to more debt.

Consumers can reduce the interest rate on existing debt through consolidation services. Consumers accomplish debt consolidation when they obtain a loan carrying a low rate. When deciding on a loan, consumers should consider the monthly payment in relation to their budget, ensuring they can afford the loan payments.

Payday loans issue money against a paycheck, and consumers may use this financial tool for consolidation. The borrower receives the money and uses it to pay off all debts, and then the payday lender becomes the borrower’s only creditor.

Borrowers obtain a payday loan by writing a postdated check for the debt amount, plus a fee. The payday lender holds the check until the borrower receives a paycheck. On payday, the borrow takes cash to the lender in exchange for the postdated check, or the lender deposits the check.

This method of debt consolidation harms borrowers when they cannot pay back the loan following the two-week period. When borrowers ask the lender to hold the loan for another period, they pay a second round of fees and the loan rolls over.

Eliminating debts can help consumers relieve financial problems, but payday loans often create more debt. Consumer can seek other methods of debt relief, such as a personal loan or a home equity loan. The goal of consolidation involves helping consumers reduce the interest rate on existing debt.

Avoiding Home Equity Fraud in Debt Consolidation

Debt consolidation with a home equity loan can provide consumers with an effective method to eliminate debt. However, when choosing a lender to provide a home equity loan, consumers should be aware of fraudulent companies. Consumers need to shop for reputable lenders when they pursue debt consolidation. Otherwise, they face risks of becoming victims of home equity fraud.

Home equity loans allow consumers to use the money toward paying off multiple high-interest debts. Consumers save money with debt consolidation by paying lower interest rates and monthly payments. These equity loans rank among the most popular types of secured loans consumers use for debt consolidation.

However, certain companies that offer home equity loans perpetrate fraud to profit off vulnerable consumers. Among the businesses that commit home equity fraud, finance companies often approach homeowners about the benefits of using the secured loan for debt consolidation. These companies may not clearly state they use the consumer’s home as collateral.

Consumers who don’t fully comprehend the terms of their home equity loan may end up legally obligated to make monthly payments they cannot afford. Consumers pursue debt consolidation to become debt free, but with home equity fraud, they often incur another large debt.

Home equity fraud makes consolidating debt a risky method for managing debt. Consumers need to read and thoroughly understand the conditions of a loan prior to signing the form. Consumers should allow their lawyers to read any legal contracts. Consumers need to avoid home equity fraud; otherwise, they face risks of incurring more financial trouble.