Tag: Student Loans

January 13, 2025 Off

Student Loan Season: How to Spot and Avoid Scams This Winter

By The Admiral Staff

With the end of a six-month grace period approaching for recent graduates, authorities are warning of a surge in student loan scams. Scammers often pose as legitimate companies with names like “Student Aid Center,” promising quick loan forgiveness for upfront feesβ€”a tactic federal agencies caution against. To avoid these scams, borrowers should never pay upfront fees, be wary of promises of instant forgiveness, and apply directly for federal repayment or forgiveness programs through the Education Department’s Student Aid office. Options like income-driven

October 14, 2024 Off

The Uncertain Path: College in the Age of COVID-19

By The Admiral Staff

The COVID-19 pandemic has created immense uncertainty for college-bound high school seniors and their families. Traditional timelines for college planning have been disrupted, with questions surrounding campus openings, financial stability of institutions, and the overall college experience. Schools are grappling with budget shortfalls and considering various scenarios, while parents are weighing financial implications and exploring options like gap years or online classes. Experts advise open communication about finances and caution against borrowing heavily to pay for college, highlighting concerns about student loan repayment and the potential

September 20, 2024 Off

Beyond Your Wallet: 4 Unexpected Ways to Tackle Student Loan Debt

By The Admiral Staff

As student loan forbearance ends, individuals may find assistance from unexpected sources. Employers can offer tax-free student loan payments up to $5,250 annually. Families can utilize 529 savings plans to pay off student loans, with up to $10,000 available per person. The government offers student loan forgiveness programs, particularly for those in specific careers or enrolled in income-driven repayment plans. Finally, military service can qualify individuals for student loan repayment programs.

June 27, 2024 Off

The Student Loan Landscape: A 2024 Guide

By The Admiral Staff

The article details the increasing difficulty of affording higher education, with the average four-year in-state tuition reaching $108,584. Consequently, nearly 60% of undergraduates take out loans, totaling $1.617 trillion nationally. It explains how student loans work, differentiating between federal and private options, highlighting that federal loans offer more favorable terms and protections. The guide outlines the application process (including completing the FAFSA), repayment plans, potential loan forgiveness programs

March 17, 2024 Off

From Broke to Budget Boss: How I Paid Off Half My Student Loans at 25

By The Admiral Staff

This article details a young woman’s journey to paying off nearly half of her student loan debt while earning $15 an hour. She emphasizes that budgeting is key to taking control of your finances. The process involves tracking spending, setting financial goals, analyzing expenses, building a budget (using tools like YNAB, spreadsheets, or pen and paper), assigning a purpose to every dollar, staying vigilant with spending, and being realistic with adjustments. The author stresses that budgeting isn’t rigid and encourages incorporating