Student Loans : Blog, News and Updates

5 Solutions to the Subsidized Student Loan Debate

Student Loan Guru — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 18:50:10 +0000

Over the past month, you may have heard about the impending subsidized student loan interest rate increase, as politicians frantically work to come to a consensus before July 1. Right now, subsidized student loans interest rates currently stand at 3.4%, but will increase to 6.8% unless a new bill is passed by July 1. With this decision having a major impact on your future, it is important to stay up to date with the issue and the suggested solutions.

Impacts of the Potential Stafford Loan Rate Increase

Student Loan Guru — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 19:44:40 +0000

With the recent legislation involving the subsidized student loan interest rate, many have begun to express concern towards the fact that if Congress is not able to reach an agreement by July 1, subsidized interest rates will automatically increase from 3.4% to 6.8%. In the process, many news sources have erroneously been reporting that this increased interest rate would yield an additional $1,000 in annual debt for the average borrower. However, this figure is much lower in reality.

Happy 529 Plan Day!

Student Loan Guru — Wed, 29 May 2013 19:56:03 +0000

To start off, what is a 529 plan? In short, a 529 plan is a savings plan with tax advantages that helps students pay for college. 529 plans can be further broken down into 2 types of college savings plans: prepaid tuition plans and college savings plans.

Smarter Solutions for Students Act

Student Loan Guru — Thu, 23 May 2013 14:12:02 +0000

As you may recall, last year, Congress voted on whether to raise the subsidized Stafford loan interest rate to 6.8%, or keep it at 3.4%. Congress decided to prolong the decision for another year and keep the subsidized interest rate at 3.4%.

A Student’s Guide to Writing a Resume

Alex B — Wed, 22 May 2013 18:13:22 +0000

In today's economy, students need to submit their resumes to employers early to land a job after graduation. Follow this basic guide to gain a clearer perspective on how to write an effective resume to prospective employers.

How to Save Money on College Textbooks

Mark Kantrowitz — Tue, 21 May 2013 20:50:48 +0000

Books and supplies add about $600 to $1,200 to your college costs each year. Unlike tuition and fees, however, textbook costs are something you can control by buying and selling cheap textbooks.

Elizabeth Warren Calls for Student Loan Changes

Student Loan Guru — Thu, 16 May 2013 14:05:33 +0000

Senator Elizabeth Warren has introduced the Bank on Students Loan Fairness Act. This act would allow students to borrow at the same rate as banks, which is about "one-ninth the amount that students are asked to pay".

5 Tips for Parents Considering PLUS Loans

Student Loan Guru — Fri, 10 May 2013 13:33:57 +0000

To help you decide if this is a good option for your family, take a look at the following tips on applying for and managing your Parent PLUS Loan.

The 6 Costliest Student Loan Mistakes

Student Loan Guru — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 15:44:10 +0000

Find out what student loan mistakes may cost you big, and what you can do to avoid them!

When to Get Student Loans

Student Loan Guru — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 19:42:17 +0000

To help families through this award letter season, here is a breakdown of how and when to accept—or apply for—all types of student loans.