I am a "mature" student, studying at a university part time while working full time. I just learned that I qualify for a Stafford loan of about $7400. I don't need the loan to pay for classes because of my work income, but it occurred to me that I could take the loan, use it to pay off credit card debt I carry at a rate of interest more than 5 points higher than the Stafford loan rate, and then pay the Stafford loan off early. Essentially, debt consolidation using this federal loan. My questions: is this kosher? Is it wise? What I might not be thinknig about.
posted by anonymous on Mar 28, 2013 - 13 answers

I'm spending nearly $400/month on automotive-related expenses for a car I don't enjoy driving. That's about 25% of my monthly income, and when it really comes down to it, I think I'd rather be saving that money for something better, like travel. Or education. Or Scotch. Lots and lots of Scotch. [more inside]
posted by bhayes82 on Nov 7, 2011 - 34 answers

I need to find student loans in order to go back to college in September, but my parents have terrible credit and I can't find an alternative cosigner. I don't know what to do. [more inside]
posted by JimBennett on Jul 11, 2011 - 10 answers

I accidentally paid Sallie Mae FOUR months’ worth of federal student loans, which totals an amount I can’t possibly afford. I asked my bank to place a stop order on the electronic payments but there’s a possibility the transactions may still go through, before the stop order is processed (3 business days). What can I do to recover my money now, or in the event that the transactions indeed go through? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jan 24, 2011 - 7 answers

Is it normal for a college to not refund someone if they have paid above the cost of tuition and fees? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Oct 28, 2010 - 18 answers

Help me repay my debts from abroad: My considerable student loans are in CDN, but I am earning in EUR - can/should I move my debt? [more inside]
posted by molecicco on May 12, 2010 - 8 answers

I’m a student and it’s tax time. I work for my school (work study) and to help make ends meet I do consulting work (web programming) for a few reputable clients (meaning they don’t pay under the table). The problem with consulting work is that I get hammered come tax time. The 1040s are unforgiving. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Apr 9, 2010 - 15 answers

Potential student loan calculus: how much is too much at what age? [more inside]
posted by sureshot on Feb 16, 2010 - 10 answers

How and where to apply for a credit card? [more inside]
posted by sarahj on Jan 3, 2010 - 14 answers

My girlfriend is a PhD student and is wondering how much general lab work (not related to research) is normal for a student (not a lab employee). Her PI does not pay her anything, all her income (stipend, lab expenses) come from other sources like grants. She is not paid extra for doing the general lab work. [more inside]
posted by mallow005 on Oct 7, 2009 - 28 answers

My current volunteering gig is standing still, how do I search for a new one and be able to travel? [more inside]
posted by pixxie on Jul 12, 2009 - 6 answers

Loan to pay back loan until I get another loan? Bad idea? [more inside]
posted by bmalicoat on May 30, 2009 - 14 answers

Which lender should I use for my government student loans? [more inside]
posted by amalgamator on Apr 16, 2009 - 9 answers

I'm an Environmental Policy & Planning Major (3rd year). I've been applying to internships over the past weeks for Spring and Summer positions. Great news: I've already been accepted to Greenpeace's "Organizing Term" and I have two other positions I will soon hear a yes/no on for Spring. Bad News: The Greenpeace Organizing Term program will cost me $4000. The program itself is an intensive mix of activities, virtually on a full-time basis (for 2 months of summer, out of 3), including classroom trainings, expeditions to other states (as well as another country for meeting with other international activists), media trainings, and some readings. All of it is included with the cost (including flight/transport/food for a week). What to do? (More in the extended explanation): [more inside]
posted by Risiko on Feb 14, 2009 - 13 answers

How does one make the transition between "college student" and business professional" without being wasteful? [more inside]
posted by DonSlice on Sep 6, 2008 - 23 answers

I am looking for the best general student loan company. What are your experienes with specific student loan companies? [more inside]
posted by Black_Umbrella on Jul 3, 2008 - 3 answers

I'm an theater student in Houston. Twenty one years old. I've got a lot of theater on my resume, but I've never had a real, you know, jobby, job type job. What are my options and where do I start looking? [more inside]
posted by raygan on Sep 3, 2007 - 9 answers

Is this [AskMe post] the best way to use American funds for living expenses in Glasgow? What other options are available? [more inside]
posted by cowbellemoo on Aug 30, 2007 - 10 answers

JobFilter: Should I return to my high-paying summer job next summer? [more inside]
posted by gursky on Aug 21, 2007 - 23 answers

Are there student loans for continuing education programs? [more inside]
posted by scazza on Apr 13, 2006 - 7 answers