Monday, November 17, 2008

What Are The Benefits To Consolidating Student Debt?

If you're like many post-secondary students, you likely racked up quite a bit in student debt during your formal education years. With college behind you and the bill in front of you, the debt is weighing heavily on you. Student loans are taking up a huge amount of your monthly budget. If this is you, it may be the right time to consider student loan consolidation.

Consolidating debt can typically serve many great advantages: One obvious advantage- rather than making several small payments, consolidation allows one to pay just one payment a month. Not only is this convenient, but it is also helpful for budgeting. Who wouldn't find it easier to make just one payment, instead of several?

Another attractive advantage is to consolidate your fluctuating rate student loan to a secure, fixed rate, loan with a lower interest rate.

One can usually consolidate debts from student loans once through a private company, to secure a lower rate. Most often the student doesn't pay fees to consolidate their loans, because the company makes money from the government. This makes the process easier and convenient for both the student and private company.

By consolidating and cutting interest rates, the borrower will save money. A lower interest rate also means you'll have lower monthly payments, which any borrower will welcome into the budget. The other bonus is that smaller payments towards interest will help you pay down your debt faster.

Simply pay extra to the payment amount each month and watch your student loans diminish rapidly.  For example, if you consolidate debt from a $100 payment per month and lower it to a fee of $75 each month, continue making your payments at the original amount.  Each month you will pay $25 to the principal amount and drastically reduce your debt to nothing over time.

As discussed, there are several benefits to consolidating your student loans. You will save money, and be able to pay your debt much quicker if you can secure a lower interest rate. You'll also enjoy the convenience of a single monthly payment instead of several monthly payments.

With no fees typically associated with debt consolidation, this, student loan consolidation, option is frequently available for practically anyone who is interested.  If student loans are taking a toll on your budget, or you simply want to get out of debt, take advantage of these benefits by consolidating student debt for a better rate.

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