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The Truth About Student Loans
When it comes to getting a college education most people can agree that the costs can be staggering at best. Even the least expensive colleges in the nation can add up over a four or five year period of time creating crippling debt for those who do not qualify for some of the better grant programs of substantial scholarships.
The problem lies in the fact that the parents of most traditional college students make too much money to qualify for the free financial aid that is needs based and very few qualify for the limited number of scholarships that are available to students based on merit. Even among those that qualify competition and fierce and there are no guarantees. Enter the student loan. There are all kinds of student loans and unfortunately with rising costs associated with college attendance and the growing necessity of a college degree for success in this country it is becoming more and more difficult to pay the price that is associated with higher education.
There are three types of loans that are commonly found for college students. They include federal student loans, federal plus loans, and private student loans. Each type of loan has advantages and disadvantages that are unique to that particular loan. Below I will give a little information about each of the loan types and whom they may benefit.
Student loans. There are three different types of student loans: subsidized, unsubsidized, and Perkins loans.
Perkins loans are only available to students who display exceptional financial need. These loans are available at a 5% interest rate and are available to both graduate and undergraduate students. Perkins loans are extended through the university you attend and will be repaid to the university unlike the other types of student loans, which are repaid to the lending agency.
Subsidized student loans are loans in which the interest is deferred until graduation or you cease to be a qualifying student. What this means is that while you are responsible for repaying the loan upon graduation the interest on these loans does not begin to accrue until your begin repayment 6 months after graduation or your cease to be at least a half time student of the university. You must qualify based on your income in order to receive a subsidized student loan. While the needs requirements for these loans isn’t as grave as those required in order to receive a Perkins loan you must still qualify.
Unsubsidized student loans do not require qualification on a needs basis. You must be a student and enrolled at least half time in order to receive an unsubsidized student loan. The good news however for those who do not qualify based on needs for other student loan options is that this type of loan is available to all qualifying students regardless of need. The interest on these loans however begins to accrue immediately, which means they can really add up over time.
PLUS loans are loans that are taken out by the parents of students who need the funds in order to cover educational expenses. The maximum amount that can be borrowed is the cost of attendance minus any financial aid awards the student has already received. The repayment on these loans begins 60 days after the loan is dispersed and the repayment period can be up to 10 years.
In order to cover the costs involved in education that go above and beyond what the government recognizes as acceptable college related expenses you can opt to go the route of private student loans rather then relying solely upon federal financial aid for your student loan source. These loans require that you qualify in order to receive them based on your credit rather than your need and must be used for educational purposes only. With these particular loans you really need to make sure you read all the fine print as different companies offer different conditions and different perks. You should really take the time and compare prices and options before taking out a private student loan and this should be done only as a last resort.
Student loans for many can be the difference in attending college and getting the education you are hoping for and not being able to pay the high costs that go along with higher education. For this reason you should treat them with respect and not take them lightly.
Bad Credit Credit Card Offers
Having less than perfect credit does not cancel out your credit card options. In fact, just the opposite is true. These days, credit card lenders issue plastic for every need under the sun. This includes cards designed specifically for those with poor credit. By taking advantage of bad credit credit card offers, you can get back on your financial feet in no time. Read on to learn more about bad credit credit card offers.
Prepaid Debit Cards
If you have trouble getting approved for a traditional credit card, a prepaid debit card is a smart alternative. With this option, you first deposit money into your account. You can then use your card to make purchases. To help you stay on track, your line of credit is limited to the amount you have deposited. By putting money into your account and making purchases, you will rebuild your credit. For two great prepaid options, check out the All-Access Visa Prepaid Card and the Wired Plastic Prepaid Visa Card.
Secured Credit Cards
Another option for those with bad credit is a secured credit card. This type of card requires you to open a savings account. The account serves as security for the line of credit. The credit available to you is a percentage of your deposit. This usually ranges from 50 to 100 percent. If you pay off your balance consistently, over time your line of credit will increase. A secured credit card usually includes an annual fee and high interest rate.
First Premier and Orchard
Perhaps you plan to occasionally carry a balance on your card. If this is the case, there are various bad credit credit card offers available. First Premier Bank issues cards designed for those with poor credit. First Premier Bank credit cards offer low interest rates and the chance to improve your credit rating. You can be approved instantly for one of their cards. Check out the First Premier Bank Gold MasterCard/Visa to get you started.
Orchard Bank also caters to those with a poor credit history. The Orchard Bank Platinum MasterCard offers a low interest rate on purchases. It also regularly reports to credit bureaus. This gives you a chance to use your card, pay off balances, and have creditors take notice.
Both First Premier and Orchard Bank cards include a number of fees. First Premier Bank charges initial fees of $29 and $95, as well as a monthly participation fee and annual fee. Orchard Bank requires a high annual fee.
These expenses may seem high. However, it is important to remember that these companies are offering cards to those with poor credit. Most bad credit credit card offers include extra fees due to the risks involved. Yet these cards are designed to help you improve your credit rating. Once you show that you can handle these cards wisely, you can apply for other offers.
Don’t let poor credit get you down. There are many bad credit credit card offers available. Choose the option that’s best for you and then apply online. With careful planning, you can improve your credit score. Soon you’ll be in good standings once again with lenders. This can open many more financial doors in your future.