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Saturday, 4 July 2009

Things You Should Know About Student Loan Debt Consolidation

The average American by the time he graduates or becomes a professional, and in the worst case scenario even if he doesn't graduate, accumulates a certain level of student loan debt. Whether they are federal loans or private student loans, the higher the educational achievement is the higher the level of student loan debt usually becomes.

That is the price students have to pay to make their dreams come true - to become a doctor, a nurse, a lawyer, or a Wall Street hotshot, student loan debt consolidation have been a major resource for so many years students spend in school. Usually, students have to pay off these multiple student loans the minute they finish school. Some however, have opted to pay for accrual of interest even when in school, and some have opted to defer payments until they get out of school.

No matter what the choice is, by the time an average American student finishes school, he is saddled with student loan debt. Not paying these student loans is not an option - defaulting on a federal student loan will get the government on your case with your salary and will not do any good to your credit report. As a rising hotshot, the last thing you need is to start off with a bad credit. If you are having difficulties making payments on your student loans, it might be the time to consider a student loan debt consolidation.

Before making that decision, there are several things you need to consider. When you consolidate, you actually have to consider some advantages and disadvantages. A student loan debt consolidation can significantly reduce your monthly payments because the debt is stretched out over longer payment terms. It would seem like you are making some savings from your monthly budget because of the additional money cut out from the required monthly payment.

Consolidation would also prevent you from defaulting on your student loans and ruining your credit. With monthly payments, it becomes easier for you to manage your credit and you get to save your credit report. But there is also the bad side to consolidating student loans, and knowing all these facts would help you make the wiser choice.

When you consolidate your student loan debts, always remember that many lenders actually offer a deferment plan to their borrowers in times of financial hardship. Federal student loans offer forbearance during financial difficulties. But if it is still not enough to get you back on your feet, then forbearance or deferment of payment may not help. Another thing to consider is the fact that once you apply for consolidation, you will get stuck with the interest rate you sign up with and you lose out on any borrower benefits provided by your lender.

Before opting for a student loan debt consolidation, carefully consider your options. Seeking financial advice from experienced credit counselors can be very helpful. Being honest to yourself would make the choice easier. Lastly, always opt for a plan that suits your financial situation.

After Graduation - Student Loan Debt Consolidation

If you have student loans, as soon as you graduate, you will want to begin looking into student loan debt consolidation. Generally, once you graduate, you will start owing on your student loans in six months. During this time period it is wise to gather all of your loans together and organize them. If you have both federal and private student loans you will need to separate them. It will be necessary for you to apply for separate Student loan debt consolidation programs for your federal and private loans.

Your federal loans will be consolidated through the Debt of Education's student loan debt consolidation program. Under this debt consolidation program you will be able to stretch out your payment for up to 30 years. This allows you to cut your monthly payment and ease the financial burden right after graduation. This is why so many choose student loan debt consolidation.

Your privately funded student loans will have to be consolidated through a private lending institution. If you are an undergraduate you can stretch these loans out over 25 years and if you have a graduate degree you can stretch the payments over 30 years. You might also be eligible for some deferments. If you are in a medical or dental residency program you can defer your consolidated private loan for 48 months. If you are in active military duty you can defer them for 36 months. This is made possible through the Graduate Leverage Private Student Loan Consolidation Program.

Of course both programs carry some of the same benefits. Generally you will get a lower interest rate on your consolidated loan. If you can find someone who is willing to co-sign your private loan you could see an additional interest reduction. Both loans also help you to begin managing your debt and to build good credit. Of course consolidating will also relieve time and stress from your life, since you now only have to worry about one loan payment each month.

AS you can see student loan debt consolidation is a great way to start out financially strong after graduation. If you are a recent graduate or are getting ready to graduate you will most certainly want to look into these programs and start the process to consolidate your student loan.