Student Loan Forgiveness Programs

What are good student loan forgiveness programs?

TL;DR: Student loan forgiveness programs offer ways to reduce or eliminate student debt for eligible borrowers, often through working in specific fields or public service. Programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), Teacher Loan Forgiveness, Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) forgiveness, and state-specific options can provide relief, but requirements vary widely. To make the most of these […]

Credit Score Going Up

What is a credit score?

TL;DR: A credit score is a three-digit number that reflects your creditworthiness, impacting your ability to get loans, credit cards, mortgages, and even certain jobs. It’s determined by your credit history, payment habits, types of credit used, and how much debt you carry. Higher scores can lead to better financial opportunities, while lower scores may […]

Unsecured Loan

What is an unsecured loan?

TL;DR: An unsecured loan is a type of loan that doesn’t require collateral, meaning you don’t need to pledge any asset (like a house or car) to get it. Instead, lenders assess your creditworthiness based on your financial history, credit score, and income. While easier to obtain if you have good credit, these loans often […]

Secured Loan

What is a secured loan?

TL;DR: A secured loan is a type of loan backed by collateral, which is an asset you pledge (like a car or house) that the lender can claim if you don’t repay the loan. Because there’s less risk to the lender, secured loans often come with lower interest rates and higher borrowing limits than unsecured […]

What is interest

What is interest?

TL;DR: Interest is the cost of borrowing money, usually expressed as a percentage. When you borrow, you pay interest to the lender. When you lend, you earn interest. It’s foundational to loans, credit cards, and investments. Interest is a fee paid by a borrower to a lender for the privilege of using their money. This […]

Standard fixed repayment plan

What is a Standard Fixed Repayment Plan?

TL;DR: A standard fixed repayment plan is a loan repayment option where borrowers make the same monthly payment for a set period until the loan is paid off. It’s predictable, consistent, and often leads to paying less interest over time compared to other plans. A standard fixed repayment plan is one of the most common […]

What is a graduated repayment plan

What is a Graduated Repayment Plan?

TL;DR: A graduated repayment plan is a student loan repayment option where payments start low and increase over time, usually every two years. It’s a good choice for borrowers expecting their income to rise in the future, as it allows for smaller payments early on while still paying off the loan within the typical 10-year […]

Private Student Loans

What Are Private Student Loans and When Should You Use Them?

TL;DR: Private student loans are issued by private lenders like banks, credit unions, and online lenders, rather than the government. They typically have higher interest rates, stricter qualification requirements, and limited repayment options compared to federal loans. Private loans may be an option if you’ve exhausted all federal aid, scholarships, and grants, or need extra […]

Parent signing student loan option for their child.

What Are Student Loan Options for Parents?

TL;DR: Parents who want to support their children’s education can explore several student loan options, including federal Parent PLUS Loans, private parent loans, home equity loans, and personal loans. Each option has its pros and cons, so it’s essential to weigh interest rates, repayment flexibility, and financial impact before making a decision. As the cost […]

Federal Perkins Loans

What Are Federal Perkins Loans?

TL;DR: Federal Perkins Loans were low-interest, government-funded loans specifically designed for students with exceptional financial need. Although the program ended in 2017, borrowers who took out Perkins Loans before that date are still responsible for repayment and may have access to unique forgiveness and cancellation options based on their career field and length of service. […]

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