Helpful Student Loan Repayment Advice

By Essie Osborn


Nowadays, many people choose to get a higher education and they are able to do this through help from student loans and grants. While grants do not have to be paid back, loans do. There are many resources available to those interested in student loan repayment advice, as it can take years to pay off this debt. This information can be helpful to students who have graduated, decided to take a break from schooling or are currently enrolled. Staying ahead can make paying off these loans seem more manageable.

It is important to know what loans you have. That is, keeping track of the repayment status, balance and lender on every student loan. The details are important and can determine the best option for repayment. Those who are unsure should get in touch with their lender or reference a billing statement or other paperwork. Contacting the school might be another option for those trying to located their records.

Keep in mind the grace periods. These will vary for each loan. This term refers to the amount of time students have, prior to leaving school, before they are issued their first billing statement. It is important to know what the period is because it differs and those who do not know it might miss payments.

Stay in contact with the lender. Whenever you change your email address, phone number or mailing address, be sure to let the lender know that as soon as possible. If a lender tries to get in touch and cannot do so because of outdated contact information, problems can arise. Make sure to open and look over every piece of mail that is sent to you regarding these loans. It is not encouraged to avoid contact with collection agencies or lenders regarding these loans. Lenders usually work with borrowers and can help resolve issues and even set up payment solutions.

Choose the proper repayment solution. When the loans are due, the payments will automatically be set based on a 10-year plan. If the payment that is set will be too difficult for you to pay, other options may be available. In some cases, plans can be changed down the line as well. Extending payment beyond the 10 years will usually lower the monthly bills, but more interest will be accrued over the span of the loan.

Income-based plans are available to borrowers according to their overall earnings or income. This involves setting up monthly bills that are capped to a reasonable percentage based on the yearly income of a borrower. Forgiveness might be available to those who have paid their dues over a long period of time. Private loans are not known to accept the repayment methods available through federal loans, including deferment, forgiveness and forbearance. Nonetheless, a lender may offer solutions or permit borrowers to make payments that cover the interest only for a certain period of time.

If possible, lower the payment. Keep track of all loan information in records in the event that there are discrepancies. It is recommended that individuals pay off the most expensive loan first, specifically that with the highest interest. Those with federal and private loans should therefore pay private first because they have high interest and less flexible with repayment. Consolidation may be an option. This involves all the bills being bundled into one so borrowers have a fixed interest and one monthly bill.

Try not to worry. There are many repayment solutions available. Plus, avoiding these loans only causes more problems.




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