I’m in grad school and work full time. I have several Federal student loans in deferment, all of which are subsidized or unsubsidized with different interest rates. I have an extra $500 each month that I'd like to use towards my loans. If I want to have lower monthly payments when my loans go into repayment, should I make extra payments now towards the interest from unsubsidized loans with a lower interest rate or the principal of subsidized loans with a higher interest rate? Or is there a better approach? [more inside]
posted by yeoja on Sep 22, 2009 - 9 answers

I am a frugal person entering his senior year in college [age 21]. I have been following advice like the stuff in thread 84915and thread 99852 and living below my means. I sought advice in Financial books for college kids my age [for example, generation debt], but left feeling wanting more because they focus primarily on how to cut expenses [skipping the latte, etc]. So, I have some student loans already, but will need more for my senior year. I also have some money set aside, but I should I use this money to lower the loan amount that I'll take out or use this money for an investment (Roth IRA, index fund), and take out more for my student loans ? [more inside]
posted by fizzix on Aug 26, 2008 - 11 answers

What is the best financial/tax situation for us? Kid on way, financial aid eligibility concerns. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jul 2, 2008 - 4 answers

Am I being stupid about money? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jul 25, 2007 - 22 answers

I'll be borrowing $22,200 to pay for school. All other things being equal, which loan is best? All three options have a 10-year term. Loan #1: 5.55% fixed rate; 1% principal rebate after 12 months; a second 1% principal rebate after 24 months Loan #2: 5.55% fixed rate; zero payments for the last 6 months Loan #3: 6.55% fixed rate; a 3.3% principal rebate after 33 months [more inside]
posted by kakes on Jun 25, 2007 - 7 answers

CreditFilter: Does co-signing for my student loans affect my parents' credit? [more inside]
posted by charmston on Jul 1, 2006 - 9 answers

I am applying for an alternative student loan. I am confused about the difference between Prime and LIBOR, and I am confused about how to actually decide which lender to go with. [more inside]
posted by jennyjenny on Oct 8, 2005 - 2 answers

FinanceFilter: I recently experienced the wonderful epiphany of 'college student = poor' as I finished paying bills and checking my bank accounts today. It seems that I've spent almost all of my summer job savings, and by February 1st I will have the grand total of approximately $12 to my name.

My basic question is: what should I know before taking out student loans? I'm looking for personal experiences, warnings, recommendations, etc. I want to make sure I do this right so a few years from now I won't be posting an AskMe question about trying to get out of my many-times-deferred loans. I'm not hardcore set on taking out student loans, but it's an option that seems favorable at first glance and has been recommended and pursued by many of my friends. [MI] [more inside]
posted by ElfWord on Jan 26, 2005 - 16 answers