Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Should I consolidate My Student Loans?

By Dennis Powell

Student loan consolidation programs are often a useful tool for recent grads to manage their loan payments at the start of their careers. Many consolidation programs offer extended terms, fixed interest rates, and a variety of payment options which make monthly payments more affordable for people on an entry-level salary.

Loan consolidation can benefit a person's credit rating. Lower monthly payments, flexible repayment options, and fixed interest rates are all benefits of managing student loan debt through a consolidation program, and can help borrowers develop a good credit profile while meeting their responsibilities.

The most obvious candidates for student loan consolidation are former students with high loan totals who don't earn enough to make the minimum monthly payments. Loans with graduated repayment terms allow borrowers to make smaller monthly payments at the beginning of the loan, and larger payments as their income grows. Extended payment terms also help create lower monthly payments though at the expense of a higher overall loan cost.

Borrowers give up some of their deferment options upon consolidation. However, candidates who find work immediately upon finishing their college career may be willing to give up these deferments in exchange for locking in a low interest rate.

Lower interest rates on private consolidation loans may also be available for borrowers with outstanding personal credit ratings. Some consolidation programs base their interest rate on each borrower's personal credit rating allowing those with excellent personal credit history to lock in a low rate for the duration of their consolidation loan. If your credit rating has improved during your school career you may also find that you can lock in a better rate than you had initially on your private loans.

Recent grads starting out and demanding careers may consider consolidation for its simplicity as well. Depending on the type of loans that a student used during their college career, a consolidation loan can provide the borrower a way to make one or two payments each month rather than several. Consolidation also simplifies recordkeeping, and eliminates the paperwork associated with having several different loans.

It's important for each borrower to look at their total debt portfolio when choosing their consolidation options. Consolidation is not the best choice for everyone. Particularly borrowers with low total balances and manageable monthly payments may be better off to keep the present laws in place and just keep up with their loans. Avoid taking the easiest path or consolidating just because everyone's doing it the sooner you pay off your loans the better off you'll be.

There many consolidation options for people with education debt. The typical former student will carry their student loans with them for several years after leaving school. A conscientious borrower look at their total financial picture when looking for a consolidation option that works for them. - 15224

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