This Week in Student Loans: December 9
Please note: Education Loan Finance does not endorse or take positions on any political matters that are mentioned. Our weekly […]
Student Loan Interest vs. Other Interest Types
If you have student loans, you’ve probably been told at one point that it’s “good” debt. But what does that really mean? Is any debt actually good or is it all bad? Is the interest you pay on your student loans better than the interest you pay on your auto loan?
As you accumulate more assets, you’ll encounter many different types of interest. It’s helpful to know how each type of interest differs so that you know exactly what you’re getting into when you borrow money.
What is Student Loan Interest?
Student loan interest is essentially the cost you pay for borrowing the money. When you pay interest, you will be paying back the amount of money you borrowed plus the cost to borrow the money (the interest). The higher the interest rate, the more money you will have to pay in addition to the amount you borrowed. The amount you borrow is called the principal and the cost to borrow the money is called the interest. Interest is charged on both federal student loans and private student loans until the loan is paid in full. When you make a payment on a loan the interest is paid first, any amount of the payment over the interest is applied to the principal and lowers the balance of the loan. The types of rates and how interest is calculated are based on the type of student loan.
Federal Student Loans: The Difference Between Subsidized and Unsubsidized
Federal student loans have fixed interest rates that are set by the government. They remain the same throughout the life of the loan. Also, federal student loan interest rates may be lower than auto loans or personal loans. Federal student loans have two different types of interest: subsidized interest and unsubsidized interest. A subsidized interest loan means the government pays the interest on the loan while you are in school or during deferment (a grace period from federal student loan payments granted for certain situations), which means the balance of the loan does not increase. Once you are out of school or the deferment period ends, you will be responsible for paying the interest on the loan. An unsubsidized federal student loan means the interest starts accruing from the day the loan is first disbursed. Although you may not be required to make payments on the loan while you are in school, you will end up with a loan balance higher than you initially borrowed. The interest on a federal student loan is calculated using the simple interest formula. Here is how to calculate the simple interest formula:
The principal (the amount of money you borrowed) X the interest rate = The amount of interest you will pay each year for the loan
Private Student Loans: The 411 on Fixed and Variable Interest Rates
Private student loans can have a variable interest rate or a fixed interest rate. A variable interest rate is based on the current market and economy and can change over the life of the loan. A fixed interest rate remains the same throughout the life of the loan. It’s important to note that rates can vary widely based on the student loan lender, which is why it is so important to do your research and only sign with a reputable company. The interest rate you receive on a private student loan is also based on certain financial factors, including your credit score.
For example, ELFI customers who refinanced student loans report saving an average of $309 every month¹. If you currently have private student loans, you can check out our student loan refinance calculator to get an estimated rate and monthly payment for both fixed and variable options.² Whether you’ve taken out federal student loans or private student loans throughout your college journey, consolidating and refinancing could score you some significant savings.
Interest On Other Common Loans
If you’re in full adulting mode, odds are you have or are considering getting an auto loan or mortgage. Just like your student loans, these financial products come with interest as well.
Interest rates on car loans can be variable or fixed rates and the rate you receive is based on factors such as your credit score and financial health. There are two ways interest is calculated on car loans: simple or precomputed. For simple interest, the interest is calculated based on the balance of the loan. If you pay extra on your car loan, the principal will be reduced and in the long run, you will be saving money in interest (woohoo). If you have a precomputed interest loan on a car, it will be calculated on the total amount of the loan in advance. This means that even if you make extra payments, you will not save any money on the interest over time. One big difference to note between student loan interest and auto loan interest is how it can affect your taxes. With student loans, the interest you pay may be a tax deduction you can take depending on your income and the amount of interest you have paid. With an auto loan, there is no such benefit.
Interest on a house loan, otherwise known as a mortgage, is calculated similar to a simple interest car loan. An interest rate on a mortgage may be variable or fixed depending on which type of loan you choose. There are two major types of mortgage loans:
- Principal and interest loans - You pay back the interest and the principal (the amount of money you borrowed) at the same time. This is the most common type of mortgage.
- Interest-only loans - This is when, for a certain period of time, payments towards the loan only go towards paying off the interest on the loan.
Mortgage loans are amortized, like some student loans, which means your payment goes towards more interest upfront. Then as the balance decreases, you pay less interest and the payment goes towards paying down the principal. Also, just as with some student loans, some of the interest you pay on your mortgage may be tax-deductible.
Understanding Interest Can Pay Off
It’s important to understand the different types of interests and loans when determining which debt to focus on paying off first. Being strategic about how and when you pay off your debt can save you hundreds and even thousands of dollars. A good rule of thumb is to pay off the debt with the highest interest rate and then focus on your interest rate debt. Of course, if you have the option to refinance, explore that first and then develop your debt reduction plan.
¹Average savings calculations are based on information provided by SouthEast Bank/ Education Loan Finance customers who refinanced their student loans between 8/16/2016 and 10/25/2018. While these amounts represent reported average amounts saved, actual amounts saved will vary depending upon a number of factors.
²Subject to credit approval. Terms and conditions apply. Variable rates may increase after closing.
Notice About Third Party Websites: Education Loan Finance by SouthEast Bank is not responsible for and has no control over the subject matter, content, information, or graphics of the websites that have links here. The portal and news features are being provided by an outside source – the bank is not responsible for the content. Please contact us with any concerns or comments.
Tips for Starting Your Student Loan Repayment Journey
Know How to Access Your Loan Information
A good first step is to acquire your loan information. This can typically be accessed via an online login. Monitoring your loan information will be essential during the course of repayment. If you took out Federal Student Loans, you can likely access your info at https://myfedloan.org/. If you took out private student loans, check with your lender for how to access your information. Tracking your loans will give you a gage on the status of each loan, the balance you owe, as well as interest rates for each loan. By understanding the status of your loans, you can make more informed decisions about how you want to prioritize repayment, what type of repayment plan you want to choose, or even whether you want to consolidate or refinance your student loans.Know When Your Payments Start
Immediately following graduation, you’ll likely have a grace period, or a period of time before your first payment is due. This can vary depending on the type of loan you have, and they can be different for each loan. Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal loans have a six-month grace period. Perkins loans have a nine-month grace period. There is no grace period for PLUS loans; however, if you are a graduate or professional student PLUS borrower, you do not have to make any payments while you are enrolled at least half time and (for Direct PLUS loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2008) for an additional 6 months after you graduate or drop below half-time enrollment. Private student loans will have differing grace periods so contact your loan servicer for more details. Knowing when your loan will be due is imperative to starting off on the right foot when it comes to your student loans.Weigh Repayment Options
When you take out federal student loans and your grace period is complete, you will automatically enter the Standard Repayment Plan. This plan allows you to pay off your debt within 10 years, with the monthly payment remaining the same over the life of the loan. If standard repayment doesn’t work for your budget, you may want to consider some other options, or perhaps even refinance your student loans. The federal student loan program offers the following Income-Based Repayment plans:- Graduated Repayment Plan – Gives you a smaller payment amount in the beginning and gradually increases the payment amount every two years.
- Extended Repayment Plan – Allows you to pay the least possible amount per month for 10 to 25 years.
- Revised Pay As You Earn Repayment Plan or REPAYE Plan – Bases the monthly payment on you (and spouse’s) adjusted gross income, family size, and state of residence.
- Pay As You Earn or PAYE – Monthly payments are based on your adjusted gross income and family size. You must be experiencing a financial hardship to qualify. You must also be considered a “new borrower” as of 10/1/2007 or after, or be someone who received an eligible Direct Loan disbursement on 10/1/2011 or after.
- Income-Based Repayment or IBR – Monthly payments based on your adjusted gross income and family size. Must be experiencing a financial hardship to qualify.
- Income-Contingent Repayment or ICR – Based on your monthly adjusted gross income and family size. Typically chosen if an individual can’t qualify for the Pay As You Earn Plan or Income-Based Repayment.Any changes to your income or your spouse’s income will affect your student loan payment. For example, if your salary increases, your student loan payment will as well. If you are married, both your income and your partner’s income are combined. Two combined incomes will increase your total income, likely increasing your monthly payment.
Automate Your Payments (If you can)
Setting up automatic payments will make student loan repayment less of a hassle, will avoid late payments, and may even score you an interest rate reduction. Just be sure you have enough money in your account month-to-month to endure the payments without overdrawing.Make Extra Payments
When you make your monthly payment, it will first apply to any late fees you have, then it will apply to interest. After these items are covered, the remaining payment will go toward your principal loan balance (the amount you actually borrowed). By paying down the principal, you reduce the amount of interest that you pay over the life of the loan. Applying extra income by making larger payments or double payments will reduce the total amount you’ll end up paying.Reach Out for Help if Necessary
If you’re having trouble making your monthly payments, particularly on your federal student loans, contact your loan servicer. They will work with you to find a repayment plan you can manage or help determine your eligibility for deferment or forbearance. If you stop making payments without getting a deferment or forbearance, you risk your loan going into default, which can have serious consequences to your credit.Weigh Refinancing & Consolidation Options
If you have multiple student loans that are all accruing interest at different rates, you may want to consider student loan refinancing or consolidation to make repayment more manageable. The federal student loan program offers student loan consolidation, in which they combine your loans into one loan with a weighted average interest rate, rounded up to the nearest 1/8th percent. You can also consolidate your federal and/or private student loan with a private lender through the process of refinancing. Refinancing your student loans is much like consolidation, however it offers the opportunity to start new repayment terms and possibly lower your interest rate. Keep in mind that refinancing with a private lender may cause you to lose access to certain federal student loan repayment options that are listed above.Look Into Loan Forgiveness
If you work in a public service position or for a non-profit, you may want to consider the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program or another loan forgiveness program offered by the federal government. Other options exist for volunteers, military recruits, medical personnel, etc. Some state, school, and private programs also offer loan forgiveness. Check with your school or loan servicer to see if you may qualify for student loan forgiveness.Earn Your Tax Benefits
If you are paying your student loans, you may be able to deduct the interest you pay on your student loans when filing your taxes. Deductions reduce your tax liability, saving you money and serving as a nice tradeoff for having to pay interest on your student loans. Repayment of student loans can be a long, difficult journey – but by taking advantage of your resources and staying determined to pay off your debt, it is manageable. If you need more information on paying back your student loans or the options that are available to you, contact your loan servicer.Notice About Third Party Websites: Education Loan Finance by SouthEast Bank is not responsible for and has no control over the subject matter, content, information, or graphics of the websites that have links here. The portal and news features are being provided by an outside source – the bank is not responsible for the content. Please contact us with any concerns or comments.
LIBOR: What It Means for Student Loans
By Kat Tretina
Kat Tretina is a freelance writer based in Orlando, Florida. Her work has been featured in publications like The Huffington Post, Entrepreneur, and more. She is focused on helping people pay down their debt and boost their income.
If you decide to refinance your student loans, you’re likely looking for the lowest interest rate possible. If you want to pay off your debt aggressively, you may get a lower rate by opting for a variable rate loan rather than a fixed-rate loan.
While a variable rate loan may be a smart choice, it’s important to understand how lenders determine your interest rate and what factors may influence it, such as the LIBOR rate.
Continue reading to learn more about the LIBOR rate and how it affects your student loan repayment.
What is LIBOR?
To understand LIBOR, you must first understand Eurodollars. Eurodollars are bank deposit liabilities — written as U.S. dollars — that don’t fall under U.S. banking regulations. Banks that offer Eurodollars are usually located outside of the United States, and play a big role in the financial industry.
The London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) is a money market interest rate that is considered to be the standard in the interbank Eurodollar market. It’s a market for banks and financial institutions, rather than individuals. The LIBOR rate is the rate at which international banks are willing to offer Eurodollar deposits to one another.
That all may sound very complex and confusing, and you may be wondering why it matters to you. But the LIBOR rate can affect you directly. Many adjustable-rate loans and lines of credit, such as mortgages, credit cards, and student loans, base their interest rates on the LIBOR rate
How LIBOR affects your variable rate loans
When you apply for a loan, you can often choose between a fixed-rate loan and a variable rate loan. A fixed-rate loan has the same interest rate for the length of your repayment. It never changes, no matter what the market does. By contrast, variable rate loans usually have lower rates than fixed-rate loans for the same term at first. However, they can fluctuate over time to coincide with market changes.
If you have variable rate student loans, changes to the LIBOR impact the interest rate you’ll pay on the loan throughout your repayment.
Private student loans, including refinancing loans, have interest rates that are tied to an index, such as LIBOR. But that’s not the rate you’ll pay. The lender also adds a margin that is based on your credit; the better your credit, the lower the margin.
Your annual percentage rate, or APR, is a way of measuring the full cost a lender charges you per year for funds, and is expressed as a percentage. Your APR can be determined by adding the LIBOR rate to the margin, and including the cost of other fees and charges (if any exist) averaged over the term of the loan. If the LIBOR rate increases, the interest rate on your student loan will increase as well.
LIBOR Rate + Margin = Your Interest Rate
There are different maturities for LIBOR, including overnight, one week, one month, two months, three months, six months, and twelve months. Some student loan companies, including ELFI, adjust their interest rates every quarter based on the three-month LIBOR rate, while others adjust rates monthly as their loans are tied to the one-month LIBOR.
The LIBOR rate can fluctuate a great deal. However, most private student loan companies have caps on the interest rate, meaning your interest rate will never exceed that amount, no matter how high the LIBOR rate becomes.
Current LIBOR rates
As of Friday, November 22, 2019 — the last available data — the LIBOR rate is 1.917%. If the lender sets their margin at 3%, your new rate would be 4.917% (1.917% + 3.00%=4.917%).
The current LIBOR rate is significantly lower than it was at the beginning of 2019. On January 2, 2019, the LIBOR rate was 2.79%.
LIBOR rate trends
The LIBOR rate rises and falls along with market changes. Over the past 10 years, the three-month LIBOR rate has generally increased.
On December 2, 2009, the LIBOR rate was just 0.255%. As of November 22, 2019, the rate was 1.917%. If you had a variable rate loan during that time, that change means your rate would have risen by 1.662%.
[caption id="attachment_22536" align="alignnone" width="935"]
The chart above displays fluctuations to the 3-month LIBOR based on the U.S. dollar from 2010-2019.[/caption]
Future of LIBOR
LIBOR has been the gold standard that lenders have used for years to determine their rates. However, LIBOR is slowly being phased out and will be replaced with a new index.
LIBOR is based on transactions that aren’t as common as they used to be, so the index is considered to be less reliable than it once was. LIBOR is expected to be discontinued sometime after 2021.
How will that affect interest rates? The Federal Reserve has convened a committee to facilitate the transition and has recommended a new index to replace LIBOR. Lenders will likely replace LIBOR with the recommended index, or with the U.S. Prime Rate. Be sure to check your student loan documents (typically your Application & Credit Agreement) to better understand the terms of replacing the LIBOR index with a replacement index if you have a variable rate loan.
Managing your debt
If you’re planning on refinancing your student loans and are trying to decide between a fixed-rate loan and a variable rate loan, learning about the LIBOR rate can help you make an informed choice. If you want to see how much money you can save with refinancing and what interest rate you can qualify for, use ELFI’s Find My Rate tool to get a quote.*
*Subject to credit approval. Terms and conditions apply. Variable rates may increase after closing.
Notice About Third Party Websites: Education Loan Finance by SouthEast Bank is not responsible for and has no control over the subject matter, content, information, or graphics of the websites that have links here. The portal and news features are being provided by an outside source – the bank is not responsible for the content. Please contact us with any concerns or comments.
This Week in Student Loans: December 2
Please note: Education Loan Finance does not endorse or take positions on any political matters that are mentioned. Our weekly summary is for informational purposes only and is solely intended to bring relevant news to our readers.
This week in student loans:
- Personal Loans Are the Fastest Growing Category of Debt in U.S.
- Fraud in Federal Income-Based Repayment Plan?
- Colorado Joins in Lawsuit Against Department of Education
- Employers Continue to Join in on Student Loan Debt Repayment
- See Where Presidential Candidates Are Standing on Student Loans
Personal Loans Are the Fastest Growing Category of Debt in U.S.
With a fair amount of hype surrounding student loans, CNBC reported that neither student loans or credit card debt were the fastest growing categories of debt. Instead it was personal loans, growing at a clip 11% over the past year. In the article they share the reasons why personal loans can be appealing to individuals with good credit, why they may be less appealing to those with bad credit, as well as how personal loan debt differs from credit card debt.
Source: CNBC
Fraud in Federal Income-Based Repayment Plan?
This past July, the Government Accountability Office reported that the Education Department’s lax vetting of income and household information had been leaving popular student loan repayment programs, such as the Income-Based Repayment program, susceptible to fraud and errors. This “lax vetting” came in the form of borrowers not being held accountable for the income and number of household members they reported in their applications, which are prominent factors in qualifying. It’s since been said that this was due to the Department of Education not having access to IRS data, making them unable to verify the necessary data. This past week, Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.) has asked the Education Department to suspend an expanded initiative to ensure that borrowers qualify for popular student loan repayment plans, claiming that the verification process “ensnares students in a jungle of red tape,” and that “The [Education] Department’s efforts to impose verification procedures on borrowers are based on unsupported assumptions.”
Source: Washington Post
Colorado Joins in Lawsuit Against Department of Education
The Denver Post reported that Colorado joined 19 other states and the District of Columbia in filing a brief in the case of Weingarten v. U.S. Department of Education. Like the other states, they are supporting those who have been denied by the Federal Service Loan Forgiveness after 10 years of public service work, claiming the Department “committed ‘pervasive errors’ in administering the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.”
This case has arisen in the midst of reports that 845 out of 900,000 applicants have been approved to have their student loans forgiven through the program. The article provides comments from Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser’s office on the matter.
Source: Denver Post
Employers Continue to Join in on Student Loan Debt Repayment
This Seattle Times article highlights a number of employers that are offering benefits to help employees pay down their student loans, conveying that there appear to be a variety of benefit structures, ranging from allowing employees to swap their paid time off for student loan payment compensation, to awarding points for customer service that can be exchanged for items of cash value, including payment toward their student loans.
Source: Seattle Times
See Where Presidential Candidates Are Standing on Student Loans
Student Loan Hero’s Rebecca Safier breaks down where all 2020 presidential candidates stand on the basis of college affordability and student loan debt reform, both of which, she writes, “have become hot-button topics.”
Source: Student Loan Hero
That wraps things up for this week! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn for more news about student loans, refinancing, and achieving financial freedom.Notice About Third Party Websites: Education Loan Finance by SouthEast Bank is not responsible for and has no control over the subject matter, content, information, or graphics of the websites that have links here. The portal and news features are being provided by an outside source – the bank is not responsible for the content. Please contact us with any concerns or comments.
So I’ve Refinanced My Student Loans – Now What?
Congratulations! You just made the big step of refinancing your student loans. Your wallet is fatter and you’ve likely shaved off thousands of dollars from what you will have to pay on your student loans. That’s a huge achievement that will positively impact your financial life.
You may be tempted to use your new found moolah on brunches and vacations, but don’t start spending lavishly quite yet. While present you may be saying “yes!” to fancy dinners, future you would really benefit from spending this extra cash in a smarter way. If you’re feeling financially empowered, you’ll love these five financial tips for what to do after you refinance to maximize your money.
1. Reexamine (or create) your budget
Any time you have a change in your financial situation, such as a raise or a new recurring bill, it’s important to evaluate your current budget. If you don’t already have a budget, getting a little extra money each month can be a great motivator to start one. We’re fans of the zero-based budget system. With zero-based budgeting, you allocate each dollar you make to a specific expense or goal so it can help curb unnecessary expenses you may regret later. For example, say you bring in $4,000 a month after taxes. You spend $3,000 on fixed expenses such as rent, utilities, and food. Your monthly payment for student loans is $600, leaving you with $400 extra each month. Under zero-based budgeting, you would allocate the extra $400 to other goals (such as contributing to a savings account) or wants (such as a travel budget). Once you have figured out exactly where each dollar will go, you should set up an automatic transfer to a savings account so that you never get tempted to spend money that you should be saving.
Of course, budgets aren’t one size fits all. If you have a method that works for you, then use that! The important things to know and keep track of are:
- How much money you have (after taxes and health insurance payments)
- Your essential fixed expenses (such as housing, utilities, food, student loan payments)
- Your non-essential fixed expenses (such as gym memberships, Netflix, etc.)
- Your long-term financial goals (buying a house, saving for a child, retirement)
- Your short-term financial goals (dining out, travel)
2. Start or pad your emergency savings account
If you don’t have at least three months of living expenses saved up, you need to start right now. We don’t want to set off alarm bells, but an emergency savings account is the number one thing everyone needs to have on their financial to do list. Depending on your situation, you may benefit from stashing away six to nine months of living expenses, but start with at least three months and build from there. Be sure to have this money easily available, so put it in a savings or checking account that does not incur any fees or penalties for withdrawing money. For example, you do not want to put your emergency savings in a CD, even if it will yield you a higher interest rate, because getting your money out can be a costly and sometimes time-intensive process. That said, find a savings account that will pay you interest so you don’t lose all your earning power on that money.
3. Pay down other high-interest debt
After you have a healthy savings account, paying off high-interest debt should be your next priority. Just like how refinancing your student loans helped you save money in the long run, paying off debt with high interest rates such as credit card debt or a personal loan will help you shave off hundreds or possibly even thousands of dollars that you would have to make in interest if you just paid the minimum monthly payment. Even putting an extra hundred dollars a month to this debt can pay off big time in the future. Additionally, lowering your debt load can help bolster your credit score, especially if you are carrying a lot of credit card debt. Your debt-to-income ratio is critical if you want to get a mortgage or other big-ticket items so paying down high-interest debt can only work to your advantage.
4. Contribute to your retirement
Say you have a healthy emergency savings, you’ve paid off all of your credit cards, and you have enough to cover your living expenses with a little bit of extra fun money. First, congrats! That’s a big feat and you’re killing it with your finances!
Set your future self up for success is by starting or increasing your contribution to a retirement account such as a 401(k) or IRA. Retirement accounts benefit from compounding interest so the sooner you start, the better. Plus, many employers have matching programs that help you pad your retirement account. Remember the free money you can make from a high-interest savings account? This is similar, but your future self will be the one to reap the benefits.
5. Treat yourself, responsibly
If you have refinanced your student loans, it’s safe to say that you’re clearly on top of your financial game. Let’s be real -- there will always be a list of things you can and should do with your money. But it shouldn’t all be about the work. You deserve to treat yourself! Just be sure to do it responsibly. Should you suddenly move into a budget-busting luxury penthouse apartment? Probably not. But you absolutely should treat yourself to that nice dinner or new pair of sneakers you’ve been eyeing. The keys to a successful financial life are staying informed and staying balanced. Just like any other goal, providing little rewards along your journey can help you stay motivated. So take this as our encouragement to enjoy yourself! Just do it responsibly with an eye on your financial independence.
3 Things You Should Know About Black Friday
Black Friday used to be just one, crazy day of shopping. Deal seekers would wake up before sunrise, grab a thermos of coffee and a warm jacket, and wait in line for hours to get the best deals on televisions, laptops, and Cabbage Patch Dolls. The desire to shop and save is so popular that Black Friday has spun off nearly a week’s worth of celebrations, including:
- Black Friday - November 29, 2019
- Small Business Saturday - November 30, 2019 (The lesser-known shopping day that encourages support of small businesses)
- Cyber Monday - December 2, 2019
- Giving Tuesday - December 3, 2019 (The do-good day that rallies communities around giving time and money)
Black Friday itself has even crept into our day of gratitude, with stores opening just after the dishes are cleared on Thanksgiving night. Some brands and shoppers have pushed back against Black Friday, like REI with their #OptOutside campaign that provides an active alternative to malls and box stores. But for many, the excitement of Black Friday is as much a part of Thanksgiving as turkey and pumpkin pie.
For those who are on the hunt for the best deals, here are a few tips to help you succeed.
Make a List (and Check It Twice)
While this tip is true for nearly every shopping trip, you definitely need a list, plan of attack, and even a budget for Black Friday. What items are your absolute must-haves? Are you more of a big-ticket item shopper or are you in it for smaller deals on everyday items? Just as you need to plan out that Thanksgiving dinner menu, sit down and list where you want to go and in what order to keep yourself from impulse buys and overspending. There’s no worse feeling than getting home and realizing you wasted money on something that wasn’t really a good deal or that you didn’t even want. Consider the following for your list:
- Category
- Item
- Store or URL (for online Black Friday deals)
- Deal or Coupon Code
- Price
- Budget Countdown
Shop Online
Cyber Monday used to be the online shopping day of the holiday season, but Black Friday is king for a reason and quickly expanded in-store-only deals to the online crowd. Shopping online helps you cover more territory in less time, and there are apps that can help you organize and simplify your shopping efforts.
With the BlackFriday.com app, you can easily filter through Black Friday promotional clutter, search by keywords, compare deals at different retailers, share deals with friends, and even set up notifications for when sales start. With the TGI Black Friday app, you can set up alerts if one (or more!) of your big-ticket items go on sale before Black Friday. This app also has a shopping list feature so you can digitize your plan of attack.
Shop All Year
For decades, Black Friday has gotten a reputation for being the deal day of the year. The name “Black Friday” even dates back to the 1960s when it was first used to name the kickoff to the holiday shopping season. However, it’s not always the best time of the year to get the best deal on several key items.
Televisions frequently go on sale just before the Super Bowl to appeal to fans looking to see the biggest game of the year on a new screen. On the hunt for a smaller electronic device? iPhones are typically discounted in September after the annual Apple event announcing the latest models. What about a new set of skis for the slopes? The best time to shop can be just before the end of the ski season, as retailers look to clear out inventory. And for more of the homebody, home goods are often discounted around holidays like President’s Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. Finally, if you are ready to kick off the new year in a healthy way, consider waiting until June or July to buy that gym membership. At that time, gyms are eager for sales since clients are outside enjoying the long, sunny days of summer.
Find Other Ways to Save
You don’t have to brave the weather and the crowds to save money before the holidays. If you have student loans, you can keep money in your account by refinancing or consolidating. ELFI customers reported saving an average of $309 every month and an average of $20,936 in total savings after refinancing. See what kind of savings you can qualify for at elfi.com/refinance-education-loans.
1Average savings calculations are based on information provided by SouthEast Bank/Education Loan Finance customers who refinanced their student loans between 8/16/2016 and 10/25/2018. While these amounts represent reported average amounts saved, actual amounts saved will vary depending upon several factors.
Notice About Third Party Websites: Education Loan Finance by SouthEast Bank is not responsible for and has no control over the subject matter, content, information, or graphics of the websites that have links here. The portal and news features are being provided by an outside source – the bank is not responsible for the content. Please contact us with any concerns or comments.
Meet the Personal Loan Advisors of ELFI: Part 2
Colene Helveston
Meet Colene, an ELFI Personal Loan Advisor and major Florida Gators fan. With three children and three grandchildren, Colene has a deep concern for people working hard to pay off student debt. Her favorite part of working for ELFI is helping borrowers who have difficulty getting approved for refinancing – she is patient with them throughout the process and keeps them updated on all documents they need. She says it feels great when the borrower finally gets approved, is happy with their rate, and immediately leaves a good review. Her latest review from a customer:“Colene was wonderful in guiding me through the entire process. She was always quick to respond and explain what was needed and why.”Thanks for all you do, Colene!
Drew Johnson
Meet Drew, an ELFI Personal Loan Advisor that assists customers through each stage of the refinancing process, from the application phase to the funding of their loan. His favorite part of working for ELFI is interacting with his customers and finding commonality. Drew’s most recent review from a customer:“Communication was top notch. Drew answered my questions quickly and clearly. I felt like I could trust him and the whole process moved along very smoothly.”We appreciate you, Drew!
Amanda Scott
While Amanda is no longer a PLA, we are thankful for her taking on the role of Customer Service Lead! She enjoys to crotchet keepsakes for her friends and family, as well as for herself. Besides the snacks, her favorite part about working at ELFI is being able to help people navigate the student loan space. Her favorite story with a customer involved dealing with a father and son – the son was applying to have his student loans refinanced, but didn't quite meet the criteria. Amanda kept them in mind for some time and let them know when the criteria changed (which wasn't required of her). Not only did the son qualify to have his student loans refinanced, but the father went on to refer his two daughters to Education Loan Finance, all because of the work Amanda put into helping them! Now that's a good example of how helping others truly comes around! Here's a testimonial from one of Amanda's former customers: Great work, Amanda!Leaders in Customer Service
These dedicated individuals and the rest of ELFI’s Personal Loan Advisors are to credit for our 4.8 out of 5.0 TrustPilot Rating and #1 Best Refi for Customer Service award from NerdWallet. As a team, they strive to provide elite service to everyone who inquires about refinancing their student loans.Why Does ELFI Use Personal Loan Advisors?
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for student loan refinancing. Personal loans often come with a fixed amount of time to pay them back – which means that if you’re in your twenties and just starting out on your career path, you want to be sure that your monthly loan payments are affordable. You also need to be aware that missing a payment could seriously damage your credit rating. Weighing all the refinancing options available to you can be difficult on your own, which is why we provide every customer with a dedicated Personal Loan Advisor to help them navigate the process from start to finish. The appointment of a PLA is a unique feature of ELFI’s services. If you’re interested in refinancing your student loans, our PLAs are always available by phone, text, or email. One of our PLAs will be dedicated to you from the moment you apply and will work with you each step of the way to ensure your ELFI refinanced loan is the optimal fit for you. Contact us to get started!* *Subject to credit approval. Terms and conditions apply.
Educate Yourself Before Taking Out Student Loans
Educate Yourself
Before you take out a student loan, educate yourself on the details of it. Make note of the interest rates, eligibility terms, repayment terms, etc. before signing off on the loan. Our friends at eCampusTours have several articles and resources about student loans that can help you better understand your loan terms:- Borrower Responsibilities and Rights
- Deferments and Forbearances
- Federal Perkins Loan Program
- Federal Student Loans
- Grad PLUS Loan
- Income-Based Repayment Plan
- Pay As You Earn Repayment Plan
- Student Loan Repayment
- Student Loan Repayment Calculator
- Tips for Repaying Your Student Loans
Repayment Plan
Keep in mind that when you take out a student loan, you will have to pay it back – even if you don’t graduate or aren’t happy with your education. If you want to get a grasp on what your repayment will look like following college, check out this worksheet: Ideally, you’ll secure a job in your field after graduating from college. Although you’ll want to pay off your loan quickly, keep in mind that your overall repayment shouldn’t exceed 15% of your monthly income. ELFI has some additional tips for prioritizing your student loan repayment. Here’s a worksheet that can help you determine how to repay your loans following college: Taking out student loans is a commitment. Educating yourself on the responsibilities associated with student loans will help you make sound decisions about your education and will prevent you from feeling blindsided by your student loan debt and repayment terms later on.Notice About Third Party Websites: Education Loan Finance by SouthEast Bank is not responsible for and has no control over the subject matter, content, information, or graphics of the websites that have links here. The portal and news features are being provided by an outside source – the bank is not responsible for the content. Please contact us with any concerns or comments.
This Week in Student Loans: November 22
Welcome to our weekly roundup on all things student loans. Let's take a look at some top happenings of the week (click to scroll to the story):
- A new act that would allow student debt to be filed in bankruptcy claims
- Employers help tackle student debt
- A look at the College Affordability Act’s impact on refinancing
- The status of Trump’s veteran student loan forgiveness
- Possible frustration with the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Filing Bankruptcy to Alleviate Student Debt?
LendEDU’s Mike Brown wrote a column for Business Insider regarding the Student Borrower's Bankruptcy Relief Act, which was proposed in May by Senator Dick Durbin and was cosponsored by Democratic presidential candidates Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and Kamala Harris. If passed, the bill would erase the current part of the bankruptcy code that makes private and federal loans non-dischargeable unless “undue hardship” is proven, which has been known to be very difficult.
This is especially relevant as a LendEDU study found that 32% of bankruptcy filers carried student loan debt, with student loans making up 49% of their total debt on average.
The proposed law would treat student debt the same as other forms of consumer debt in bankruptcy proceedings, which may lead some student loan borrowers to consider filing bankruptcy to start fresh from their debt, despite the negative connotations. Whether that’s a smart move for borrowers is up for debate.
Source: Business Insider
Employers Joining in on Student Debt Repayment
In the midst of rising student debt, The Chicago Tribune reported that more employers are launching benefits programs to assist their employees in repaying their student loans.
“According to a survey last year of 250 companies by the Employee Benefit Research Institute, 11% offered student-loan repayment subsidies and 13% planned to add it as a way to attract and retain employees,” the article states.
Among the corporations following the trend are Hulu®, HP®, and Fidelity Investments®.
The types of student loan benefits that are being offered vary from employers making direct payments to lenders, offering tools to manage repayment, and even matching employee’s student loan payments with contributions to their 401(k) retirement plan. Perhaps more businesses will continue to catch on to high demand for debt relief among recent college graduates and implement benefits to attract their talent.
Source: Chicago Tribune
Will the College Affordability Act Enable Government Refinancing?
With all the buzz surrounding the College Affordability Act that was introduced by House Democrats in October, it’s worth looking into the details of what the act will change. Forbes writer Zack Friedman explains the three ways this could change repayment, with the first being that the government will enable borrowers to refinance their student loans to “today’s interest rates.”
How these rates will compare with top private student loan refinancing lenders is yet to be known. If this plays out like the in-school funding market, well-qualified borrowers may still receive better rates in the private market. In addition, there are some other limitations to the proposed refinancing program, including strict limits on the dollar amount of private loans that could be refinanced through the government.
The proposed program would also eliminate origination fees of federal student loans (joining many private lenders like ELFI, who already do this for borrowers) and would “simplify” student loan repayment by replacing the variety of federal loan repayment plans with just two plans: one fixed student loan repayment plan and one income-based repayment plan. This “simplification” comes at a cost for borrowers who will lose access to:
- Revised Pay As You Earn Repayment Plan (REPAYE)
- Pay As You Earn Repayment Plan (PAYE)
- Income-Contingent Repayment Plan (ICR Plan).
Source: Forbes
Trump’s Loan Discharges Halted for 24,000 Veterans
In August, President Trump called the U.S. Education Department to forgive student loan debt for veterans who are “totally and permanently” disabled. However, this process has been delayed due to regulatory complications, leaving 24,000 veterans who would qualify without student loan forgiveness. The number of veterans who have received discharges of their loans thus far has reached 3,300.
The hang-up is that the Education Department “could not legally move ahead with the automatic loan forgiveness until the agency first rewrote the regulations governing the program,” according to the internal memo. It has been reported that the department is taking steps toward doing so and that new proposed regulations were pending review at the White House.
Source: Politico
Boston Librarian Upset With Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
NBC Boston shared an article surrounding Maija Meadows Hasegawa, a Boston librarian who is upset at the lack of information she was provided regarding the qualification requirements for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
"It was almost like unless you knew to ask, nobody would tell you," she stated in the article.
Hasegawa notes that the rules of the program sounded simple at first: get a full-time public service or nonprofit job and make 120 qualifying payments. After applying and being rejected, she was surprised to find that she could have switched her loan type to qualify, which she eventually did. She also wasn’t aware that she needed to be in an income-based repayment plan, which she eventually did as well.
Hasegawa is like many of the 102,051 applicants who have filed for the PSLF program, of which only 1,216 have been accepted – frustrated.
Source: NBC Boston
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