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Understanding Student Loans

Managing Your Student Loan Debt

Managing Student Loan Debt

Managing your student loan debt can be overwhelming, but it's important to stay organized and make a plan to pay off your loans.

Create a Budget

One of the first things you should do is create a budget that includes your loan payments. This will help you prioritize your spending and make sure you're not overspending in other areas.

Look into Repayment Options

Another important step is to look into repayment options. There are several different repayment plans available, including:

  • Standard repayment
  • Income-driven repayment
  • Extended repayment

Standard repayment is the default option and involves making equal monthly payments over a set period of time. Income-driven repayment plans adjust your payments based on your income and family size, making them a good option if you have a lower income. Extended repayment plans allow you to stretch out your payments over a longer period of time.

Loan Forgiveness and Deferment

If you're struggling to make your payments, you may be eligible for loan forgiveness or deferment. Loan forgiveness programs, such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness, can help you get some or all of your loans forgiven if you work in certain public service jobs. Deferment allows you to temporarily stop making payments on your loans, although interest will continue to accrue during this time.

Stay on Top of Your Loans

Finally, it's important to stay on top of your loans by regularly checking your account information and making payments on time. Missing payments can lead to late fees and damage your credit score. If you're having trouble making your payments, contact your loan servicer to see if there are any options available to you.

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